In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, much of the spotlight annually falls on Power Four programs with immense resources and nationally-ranked recruiting classes. However, talent extends beyond the bluebloods of the college game, where a few of the country’s most dynamic playmakers can be found at the Group of Five level.
These athletes, often overlooked in the shadow of more familiar helmet decals, are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses, and the pre-draft process kicks into another gear. Below, we’ll take a deep dive into a few Group of Five pass-catchers who have opened some eyes early on in 2024.
Jalen Royals, Utah State
Remember Deven Thompkins, who put up more than 1,700 yards back in 2021 for the Aggies? Jalen Royals may meet that production in 2024, and his NFL projection remains much loftier than that of Thompkins from a few years ago.
While a slow start to the year initially tempered production, Royals has amassed more than 300 yards in the last two weeks at Temple and Boise State, with three touchdowns to boot. He’s an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands, and is someone who is expected to showcase his talents at one of the premier pre-draft showcases this winter.
Nick Nash, San Jose State
There may not be a more impressive wideout in college football thus far. Away from his immense production through five games (55 catches, 712 yards, 9 TD), Nick Nash has a few of the traits teams look for in a potential contributor on the outside. He’s got good size, hands, and has showcased an innate understanding of leverage and space to exploit against zone looks. Production will hold weight against Group of Five competition, but getting to a pre-draft showcase, like Royals above, will be big for Nash in the process.
Holden Willis, Middle Tennessee
Whether it’s in the slot or as an in-line tight end, the 6-foot-4, 212-pound Holdin Willis has opened some eyes this fall. Following his nine-catch, 94-yard performance against Ole Miss in Week 2, Willis has quickly become a topic of conversation in league circles as one of the Group of Five’s top alignment-versatile players.
Kaedin Robinson, App State
A three-year member of the program after transferring in from UCF, Kaedin Robinson continues to flash each and every week. A matchup nightmare out of the slot, Robinson has six or more catches in all but one game this year. He’s not only a chain-mover, but a dynamic weapon reduced inside that can overpower smaller defenders. He’s looking to become the first Mountaineers wideout to be drafted since Brian Quick in 2012.
Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii
As a redshirt freshman last year, Pofele Ashlock finished 12th among all FBS wideouts in targets (121), a nod to his skill set and ability to handle a ‘WR1’ workload. He’s been excellent once again so far this fall, hauling in 40 passes (67 targets) for 421 yards and four trips to pay dirt. Drops (8) have remained a concern with Ashlock early this fall and he’s not expected to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, but he remains one of the country’s premier Group of Five wideouts and a name to follow whether he stays at Hawaii or he looks for an opportunity at a larger program.
