SEC Network analyst Chris Doering leaves Texas Longhorns star off Top 5 wide receiver list
SEC Network’s Chris Doering recently gave his Top 5 SEC wide receivers. The list did not include Ryan Wingo. Was this as bad of an omission as we think? First off, these preseason lists mean nothing. But, alas, we are here to talk about it because I believe Wingo was snubbed here.From the top you’ve […]
SEC Network’s Chris Doering recently gave his Top 5 SEC wide receivers. The list did not include Ryan Wingo. Was this as bad of an omission as we think? First off, these preseason lists mean nothing. But, alas, we are here to talk about it because I believe Wingo was snubbed here.
From the top you’ve got Ryan Williams at No. 1. He had over 800 yards receiving last year and averaged 18 yards per reception. But, if you want a hot take from me on Williams not being worthy of the No. 1 spot, outside of Western Kentucky and Georgia, he had just over 500 yards the rest of the season and finished with 82 yards or less in every other game.
The rest of the list goes Cam Coleman, Aaron Anderson, Eric Singleton Jr., and Zachariah Branch. All averaged less yards per catch than Wingo. Now, the others put together solid campaigns, but one who I think should have been replaced by Wingo is Branch.
The former Southern Cal wideout who has since transferred to Georgia had only one touchdown catch in 2024 and averaged just over 10 yards per reception.
Despite not having eye-popping numbers, the analytics hint at a big sophomore year for Ryan Wingo.
Wingo’s 270 yards after the catch in 2024 were the fifth most among true freshmen. DeAndre Moore Jr. also being back will certainly help Wingo. Moore caught seven of his 11 contested targets last season while placing in the 92nd percentile in separation rate.
Toss in Arch Manning being a lightning rod when it comes to the big play. If he has a clean pocket to work with, he can be surgical. Wingo could certainly benefit from this and make secondaries pay. With Moore there next to him and new tight end transfer, Jack Endries, this Texas offense has a chance to really take off.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian ‘is excited’ for Ryan Wingo’s 2025 campaign.
“Ryan Wingo was a true freshman last year who probably in a lot of other schools, probably had more opportunities, but when you had the room we had, you know, he was very efficient, had a bunch of catches and critical moments for us.”
Horns247 writer Eric Henry recently wrote a piece about expanded production. He takes a look at projected statistics based on trends and past performances by those at the same position. Here’s what he had to say about Wingo and what he thinks could be in store this season:
“Let’s project 80 targets for Wingo, while understanding the number could fluctuate given the development of others at the receiver position,” Henry said. “While fellow true freshmen Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith had much-ballyhooed seasons, Ryan arguably would have been among the trio, had he seen the number of targets as the two star wideouts.”
Eric Henry then compares Freshman All-American Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams.
“Smith has hauled in 71 receptions for 1,223 as his Buckeyes head to the national championship game on Jan. 20 on 98 targets, while Williams caught 48 passes for 865 yards on 87 targets,” Henry said. “Both players emerged as the number one receivers on their respective teams, while Wingo was at best a fourth option on a Longhorns’ offense full of weapons – seeing only 55 passes come his way.
“Had Wingo seen the number of passes as his counterparts, his production would have been similar Williams last year,” Henry said. “Heading into 2025, Wingo’s connection with Manning along with being a featured part of the offense should pave the way for a breakout campaign.
“Final stats: 65 receptions, 1,143 yards, and 11 touchdowns.”
