Five SEC football wide receivers poised for breakout season in 2026

Nov 15, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) celebrates a touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils in the third quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

By some standards, Harris broke out with Virginia in 2025. 847 yards is enough to put a player on the map. Still, most SEC fans aren't familiar with the veteran pass catcher. That will change this fall when Harris emerges as a go-to option in Oklahoma's offense.

The Sooners lacked consistency on offense in 2025 as QB John Mateer was banged up, the offensive line struggled, and then you had the typical growing pains of an offense learning a scheme for the first time. Harris slides into a more polished unit this fall.

At 6-feet, Harris has the size to line up all over the field. He's quick enough to work from the slot, and he has the length and athleticism to make plays on the outside. He can go to work with the ball in his hands, something that should come in handy in an OU offense that leans on quick throws.

Marquis Johnson, Mississippi State

Marquis Johnson was a transfer, but he's not new to the SEC after spending the last three years at Missouri. At 5-feet-11, Johnson isn't the biggest guy in MSU's wide receiver room, but his athleticism makes up for it.

Johnson is a perfect fit in Jeff Lebby's offense. He has the speed to take the top off a defense, which helps create space to take advantage of underneath. Johnson was targeted 100 times at Missouri and only dropped four passes. Lebby's up-tempo offense offers plenty of targets to share -- expect Johnson to see a lot in 2026.

Junior Sherrill, Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt's offense will look different in 2026. QB Diego Pavia is out and true freshman Jared Curtis is in. Curtis will have some growing pains, but the presence of returning pass catchers like Junior Sherrill should help ease the transition.

Fifty percent of Sherrill's 2025 targets achieved first downs, which ranked 90th percentile among WRs in college football. The speedy pass catcher racked up 775 yards last fall -- one of the best marks in the SEC. Still, I'm counting Sherrill as a potential breakout because the production could be even better in 2026 with Vanderbilt needing to replace the work of tight end Eli Stowers.

Dallas Wilson, Florida

Dallas Wilson was a top-50 overall recruit in the class of 2025, though he didn't do much as a true freshman in Florida's struggling offense. A regime change in Gainesville has restored optimism and the unit should make a significant leap under offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.

Wilson finished 2025 with 174 yards and four games. The production wasn't only held back by the offense, but also by injuries. When Wilson was on the field, he was a weapon. Look no further than his six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns vs. Texas. If Wilson is healthy this fall, I expect big numbers.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Five SEC football wide receivers poised for breakout season in 2026