It is no surprise to anyone who follows college football and the transfer portal that the FCS has become somewhat of a minor league for FBS programs. Over the last couple of years, countless numbers of top FCS players have made the leap and have become key contributors at their new school.
Now that FCS Preseason All-American and All-Conference teams are being announced, it is a good time to take a look at a few wide receivers who could become FBS priorities in only a couple of months. The focus is on players who are non-seniors, except for the Ivy League, since those players often transfer after four seasons because they can’t redshirt.
WR Marquis Buchanan, RS Junior – Rhode Island
6-foot-4, 175-pounds
Providence, Rhode Island
The skinny: Buchanan showed his potential in 2023 before exploding last season with 82 receptions for 1,124 yards and eight touchdowns. This earned him All-American honors. He surprised many by making a quick announcement regarding his return to Rhode Island for the 2025 season. But if he did change his mind after this season, his production, height and wingspan would make him an immediate FBS priority for many programs.
WR Samuel Musungu, Junior – Cornell
6-foot-1, 192-pounds
Andover, Minnesota
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The skinny: Musungu will only be a junior in 2025 so if he follows the trend of most top Ivy League players, he has two more seasons with the Big Red before he makes the move as a grad transfer. That will only raise his stock further after he finished the 2024 season with 83 receptions for 960 yards and 10 touchdowns . The 6-foot-1, 192-pounder from Minnesota has the potential to be the top FCS wide receiver in the country by the time he graduates.
WR Jared Richardson, Senior – UPenn
6-foot-2, 215-pounds
Blakeslee, Pennsylvania
The skinny: Unlike Musungu (above), this will definitely be the final Ivy League season for Richardson. He has pieced together two consecutive productive seasons, having totaled 113 receptions for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns during this time. A strong receiver with good route running ability and quality speed, another big season would further enhance his stock during the next portal window.
WR Cam Pedro, Junior – Southeast Missouri State
6-foot-0, 182-pounds
Suwanee, Georgia
The skinny: Pedro began his collegiate career at Marshall before spending 2024 at Southeast Missouri State. During his one season with the Redhawks he finished with 84 receptions for 897 yards and four touchdowns. While he only averaged 10.7 yards per reception, he established himself as a reliable playmaker who ended up being the team’s leading receiver. A return to the FBS level to try to prove himself would likely be welcome.
WR Josh Derry, Junior – Monmouth
5-foot-9, 175-pounds
Towson, Maryland
The skinny: After receiving minimal playing time as a true freshman, Derry returned as a sophomore and finished with 60 receptions for 917 yards and five touchdowns. Teaming up with All-American quarterback Derek Robertson, Derry should be in line for a huge season which will only enhance his transfer resume.
