30 best college football wide receivers of the 21st century

20. James Washington – Oklahoma State Cowboys

This one is a career that will likely fall underneath the radar, but James Washington was undoubtedly great during his time in Stillwater. He had three 1,000-yard seasons, he was a two-time All-Big 12 receiver, a 2017 unanimous All-American that won the Biletnikoff Award and finished his career with the seventh-most receiving yards in college football history. He beat the great Rashaun Woods for the most yards in Oklahoma State history.

He wasn’t just someone who accumulated yards. He had at least 10 touchdowns in his sophomore, junior and senior season. His senior season outdid them all. He led the nation with 1,579 yards and put up a ridiculous 20.9 yards per reception. He lifted Mason Rudolph from average passer to one of the best in college football. That sounds insane after his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but in college it was true.

His career was remarkable. Even in his sophomore season, he only missed first-team Big 12 honors because he was in the same conference as Corey Coleman and Josh Doctson. Washington’s mark on Oklahoma State won’t be forgotten, but because of the profile of the Cowboys, he doesn’t get the hype as one of the best receivers of this era. He should. Washington was not only good for one great season like some on the list. He was great from start to finish.