Clemson’s 2025 Wide Receiver Corps: Can They Reclaim the “WRU” Crown?

Clemson’s 2025 Wide Receiver Corps: Can They Reclaim the “WRU” Crown?

Clemson University’s football program has long been synonymous with elite wide receiver play, earning the moniker “Wide Receiver U” (WRU) during a golden era from 2005 to 2022. Coined and championed by former co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Jeff Scott, the WRU brand became a recruiting juggernaut and a symbol of Clemson’s ability to produce NFL-caliber talent. However, recent years have seen the shine fade, with injuries and inconsistent production dimming the legacy. Enter the 2025 wide receiver corps—a deep, talented group bolstered by transfer Tristan Smith and a promising freshman class, paired with a top-tier quarterback in Cade Klubnik. After a 2024 season that showed progress despite depth challenges, could this be the year Clemson reclaims its WRU glory? Let’s dive into the history, the dip, the resurgence, and the upside of this pivotal unit.

The WRU Brand: A Legacy Forged (2005-2022)

The WRU moniker wasn’t just a catchy slogan—it was a testament to Clemson’s dominance at the wide receiver position, meticulously cultivated by Jeff Scott, who coached the Tigers’ receivers from 2008 to 2019. Scott, who later became co-offensive coordinator in 2015, built a pipeline that produced a staggering array of NFL talent, blending elite recruiting with top-notch development. Here’s a detailed look at the key figures who defined WRU from 2005 to 2022, their accolades at Clemson, and their NFL journeys:

• Aaron Kelly (2005-2008)
  • Clemson Accolades: Set the school record for career receptions (232), receiving yards (2,733), and touchdown catches (20). A three-time All-ACC selection (2006-08).
  • NFL Path: Went undrafted in 2009 but signed with the Atlanta Falcons, spending time on practice squads.
  • Impact: Kelly laid the groundwork for Clemson’s modern receiver tradition, showcasing consistency and reliability.
• Jacoby Ford (2006-2009)
  • Clemson Accolades: A dynamic speedster with 1,986 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, plus 1,228 return yards. First-team All-ACC in 2009 and a track All-American.
  • NFL Path: Drafted in the fourth round (108th overall) by the Oakland Raiders in 2010, playing four seasons with 57 catches for 848 yards and three touchdowns.
  • Impact: Ford’s explosiveness introduced a big-play element to Clemson’s attack.
• Sammy Watkins (2011-2013)
  • Clemson Accolades: A transcendent talent with 240 receptions, 3,391 yards, and 27 touchdowns. First-team All-American (2013), two-time All-ACC, and Orange Bowl MVP (2014).
  • NFL Path: Selected fourth overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2014, Watkins played nine seasons across five teams, amassing 4,665 yards and 34 touchdowns, including a Super Bowl win with the Chiefs in 2019.
  • Impact: Watkins elevated Clemson to national prominence, becoming the face of WRU’s early peak.
• DeAndre Hopkins (2010-2012)
  • Clemson Accolades: Recorded 206 catches, 3,020 yards, and 27 touchdowns. First-team All-ACC (2012) and a Biletnikoff Award finalist.
  • NFL Path: Drafted 27th overall by the Houston Texans in 2013, Hopkins became a five-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, with 12,355 yards and 80 touchdowns through 2024.
  • Impact: “Nuk” solidified Clemson’s reputation as a pro factory, blending size, hands, and route-running mastery.
• Martavis Bryant (2011-2013)
  • Clemson Accolades: Tallied 61 catches for 1,354 yards (22.2 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns. Second-team All-ACC (2013).
  • NFL Path: Picked in the fourth round (118th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014, Bryant played six seasons, recording 2,252 yards and 19 touchdowns despite suspensions.
  • Impact: His deep-threat ability complemented Watkins and Hopkins, showcasing Clemson’s versatility.
• Adam Humphries (2011-2014)
  • Clemson Accolades: A slot specialist with 127 catches, 1,368 yards, and six touchdowns. Second-team All-ACC (2014).
  • NFL Path: Undrafted in 2015, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and played seven seasons across three teams, totaling 2,698 yards and 13 touchdowns.
  • Impact: Humphries proved Clemson could produce reliable possession receivers.
• Mike Williams (2013-2016)
  • Clemson Accolades: Amassed 177 catches, 2,727 yards, and 21 touchdowns. First-team All-ACC (2016) and a key figure in the 2016 national title win.
  • NFL Path: Drafted seventh overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017, Williams has 6,636 yards and 41 touchdowns through 2024, earning a 2021 Pro Bowl nod.
  • Impact: His size and red-zone dominance cemented WRU’s reputation during Clemson’s championship era.
• Hunter Renfrow (2014-2018)
  • Clemson Accolades: A walk-on turned legend with 186 catches, 2,133 yards, and 15 touchdowns. First-team All-ACC (2018), two-time national champion, and the iconic 2016 title-winning catch.
  • NFL Path: Fifth-round pick (149th overall) by the Oakland Raiders in 2019, Renfrow has 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns through 2024, including a 2021 Pro Bowl selection.
  • Impact: Renfrow’s grit and clutch play epitomized Clemson’s development prowess.
• Tee Higgins (2017-2019)
  • Clemson Accolades: Posted 135 catches, 2,448 yards, and 27 touchdowns. Two-time All-ACC (2018-19) and a 2018 national champion.
  • NFL Path: Second-round pick (33rd overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, Higgins has 4,696 yards and 33 touchdowns through 2024.
  • Impact: His blend of size and speed kept WRU rolling into the late 2010s.
• Amari Rodgers (2017-2020)
  • Clemson Accolades: Recorded 77 catches, 1,020 yards, and seven touchdowns, plus return contributions. Second-team All-ACC (2020).
  • NFL Path: Third-round pick (85th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in 2021, Rodgers has bounced around, with 28 catches for 349 yards through 2024.
  • Impact: A versatile piece who bridged eras.

From 2005 to 2022, Clemson sent 10 receivers to the NFL, with eight drafted, including three first-rounders (Watkins, Hopkins, Williams). Jeff Scott’s vision—highlighted by a famous 2014 photo of six future NFL receivers (Watkins, Hopkins, Bryant, Humphries, Jaron Brown, and Charone Peake) on the sideline—turned WRU into a recruiting pitch that lured top talent and a badge of honor for a program that won two national titles (2016, 2018) during this span.

The Dip: Injuries and Inconsistency (2020-2023)

The WRU brand took a hit after Scott’s departure to South Florida as head coach in 2020. Injuries, quarterback struggles, and a lack of dominant production eroded Clemson’s receiver reputation. In 2021, the Tigers averaged just 21.1 points per game—the lowest since 2009—with no receiver eclipsing 500 yards (Justyn Ross led with 514). Blocking and route-running faltered, and the unit lacked the top-end talent of prior years.

The 2022 season showed flickers of hope with freshman Antonio Williams (56 catches, 604 yards, four touchdowns), but injuries to key players like Beaux Collins and Troy Stellato stunted progress. In 2023, Williams’ injury-limited season (five games, 224 yards) and a middling offense (29.8 points per game) kept WRU in the shadows, despite Cole Turner’s late emergence (28 catches, 305 yards). The departure of stars like Collins (to Notre Dame) and Brannon Spector (to Jacksonville State) via the transfer portal further thinned the ranks.

2024: Progress Through Adversity

The 2024 season marked a turning point. Despite depth issues due to injuries—Tyler Brown missed most of the year, and Stellato transferred out midseason—Clemson’s receivers fought through adversity, posting impressive stats and fueling an offensive resurgence (34.7 points per game, 18th nationally). Key contributors included:

• Antonio Williams (Junior): 75 catches, 904 yards, 11 touchdowns. A first-team All-ACC selection and Klubnik’s go-to target, Williams rebounded from 2023’s injury woes to reclaim his 2022 freshman All-American form.
• Bryant Wesco Jr. (Freshman): 43 catches, 708 yards, five touchdowns. A freshman All-American, Wesco’s speed and deep-threat ability shone.
• T.J. Moore (Freshman): 47 catches, 651 yards, five touchdowns. Another freshman standout, Moore joined Wesco as the only power-conference duo with 650+ yards and five+ touchdowns in 2024.
• Tyler Brown (Sophomore): Limited by injury, but his 2023 freshman stats (52 catches, 531 yards, four touchdowns) hinted at potential.

Clemson’s offense, led by Klubnik’s 3,639 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, leaned on this trio to secure an ACC title and a College Football Playoff berth. The unit’s depth was tested, but their production signaled a return to form, setting the stage for 2025.

The 2025 Corps: Depth, Talent, and Upside

The 2025 wide receiver room is poised to be Clemson’s deepest in years, blending returning stars, a key transfer, and a promising freshman. Here’s the projected lineup and their upside:

• Antonio Williams (Senior): after bypassing the 2025 NFL Draft, Williams could push for All-American honors with another 900+ yard, 10+ touchdown season. His versatility and chemistry with Klubnik are unmatched.
• Bryant Wesco Jr. (Sophomore): With a year of experience, Wesco’s 6’2”, 170-pound frame and 4.4 speed could yield 1,000 yards. Analysts see him as a future first-rounder.
• T.J. Moore (Sophomore): At 6’3”, 205 pounds, Moore’s size and hands make him a red-zone nightmare. A 800-1,000 yard season is within reach.
• Tyler Brown (Redshirt Sophomore): If healthy, Brown’s 2023 breakout suggests he could reclaim a 50-catch, 500+ yard role as a slot weapon.
• Tristan Smith (Senior, Transfer from Southeast Missouri State): A 6’5”, 205-pound addition, Smith brings 76 catches, 934 yards, and six touchdowns from 2024. His size and FCS production add a new dimension, potentially hitting 700-800 yards.
• Cole Turner (Junior): With 28 catches for 305 yards in 2024, Turner’s speed and rapport with Klubnik could see him emerge as a 400-500 yard contributor.
• Carleton “JuJu” Preston (Freshman): A four-star recruit (No. 167 overall, per 247Sports), Preston’s 6’2”, 175-pound frame and high school stats (1,200+ yards) suggest he could vie for early snaps, aiming for 200-300 yards as a rookie.

This group’s depth—six players Swinney believes “can play at the next level one day,” per a March 26, 2025, quote—offers versatility and resilience. “That’s six guys right there that can play the game at a high level,” Swinney said. “I’m really excited about where they are.”

Klubnik: The Catalyst

Cade Klubnik’s return for 2025 is the X-factor. After a 2024 season that ranked him third nationally in passing touchdowns (36) and earned him ACC Championship Game MVP honors, Klubnik enters as a top-three Heisman favorite. His 659-of-1,040 career passing stat line (7,180 yards, 57 touchdowns) and growing command of Garrett Riley’s offense pair perfectly with this receiver corps. “I feel like we have the room, and we have the quarterback to take it where we need to go this season,” T.J. Moore told The Greenville News on March 15, 2025. Klubnik’s ability to spread the ball—evidenced by three receivers with 650+ yards in 2024—could elevate this unit to historic heights.

Can They Reclaim WRU?

The WRU brand demands not just production but dominance—multiple 1,000-yard receivers, NFL draft picks, and a reputation that intimidates defenses. The 2025 corps has the raw talent to get there. Williams could hit 1,000 yards, with Wesco and Moore close behind. Smith and Brown provide depth unseen since the Hopkins-Watkins-Bryant days, and Preston’s upside mirrors early-career Renfrow or Higgins.

The dip from 2020-2023 exposed vulnerabilities— injuries and quarterback play chief among them—but 2024’s progress (1,300+ combined freshman yards, a top-20 offense) showed resilience. With Klubnik’s elite arm, Riley’s scheme, and a healthy, deep roster, 2025 could see Clemson match Ohio State or LSU as college football’s premier receiver unit. If Williams, Wesco, or Moore land on All-American lists and the Tigers contend for a national title, WRU will roar back to life.

Conclusion

Clemson’s 2025 wide receiver corps stands at a crossroads. The WRU legacy, built by Scott and icons like Watkins, Hopkins, and Williams, faded but never died. The 2024 season rekindled hope, and with Tristan Smith’s addition, a loaded returning cast, and Klubnik’s brilliance, this could be the year Clemson reclaims its throne. As Swinney said, “I’m really excited about where they are.” If this group delivers, the WRU banner will fly higher than ever in Death Valley.