By Mark Pszonak
Finding a top transfer wide receiver is a priority for many schools during the winter. Some are worth the NIL money while others turn out to be busts. Here are five who busted in 2024:
Juice Wells, Ole Miss (South Carolina)
The skinny: Wells didn’t have a horrible 2024 season, but it also wasn’t what the Rebels were looking for. Ole Miss was hoping that they were getting the 2023 version of Wells, who totaled 68 receptions for 928 yards and six touchdowns. Instead, they got a version who finished with 28 receptions for 553 yards and six touchdowns. While his six touchdown receptions were second on the team, his reception and yardage totals were both fourth best on the team. Expectations were much higher.
Colbie Young, Georgia (Miami-Florida)
The skinny: Young only played in five games after getting arrested on misdemeanor charges of battery and assault of an unborn child in early October, which led to his indefinite suspension from the team. Before the arrest Young was productive yet unspectacular with only 11 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Young did reach a plea deal in late January, which opens the door for a possible return to Athens for the 2025 season.
Kris Mitchell, Notre Dame (Florida International)
The skinny: After finishing the 2023 season with 64 receptions for 1,118 yards and six touchdowns, the hope by Notre Dame fans was that Mitchell would provide an explosive weapon for the offense. Instead, he totaled 22 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games. For an offense that was missing a game-changer at the position, Mitchell’s lack of production was noticeable.
Deion Burks, Oklahoma (Purdue)
The skinny: Burks showed plenty of potential during his time on the field in Norman, the problem is that he was only on the field for five games. He missed five games during the middle of the season with a thigh injury and then sustained a concussion upon his return that caused him to miss the final two games. During his time on the field, he totaled 31 receptions for 245 yards and three touchdowns. The Oklahoma offense could have desperately used Burks on the field during a season that saw the offense frequently struggle.
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Isaiah Bond, Texas (Alabama)
The skinny: Bond had a breakout season with Alabama in 2023 with 48 receptions for 668 yards and four touchdowns. The expectation was that he would continue on this path but instead finished 2024 with 34 receptions for 540 yards and five touchdowns. While he was productive, he was outplayed throughout the season by another transfer wide receiver addition, Matthew Golden, who proved to be the top receiving threat on the Longhorns’ offense.
