When Memphis Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield referred to his wide receiver room as a “grab bag,” he wasn’t just being coy. He was being honest.
With fall practices underway and the 2025 season opener just weeks away, the Tigers find themselves in a fascinating position offensively. The quarterback situation is settled with Brendon Lewis under center, the running back room is deep and battle-tested, and the offensive line—despite turnover—features promising talent. But at wide receiver, there are far more questions than answers.
The Tigers lost their top three receivers from 2024: Roc Taylor, DeMeer Blankumsee, and Koby Drake. Together, the trio combined for over 2,400 yards and 22 touchdowns, providing the kind of consistency and explosiveness that helped Memphis go 11-2 and nearly reach the American Conference title game. Replacing that production will require not just one breakout performance, but a collective effort from a retooled and, frankly, unpredictable group of wideouts.
Silverfield’s Grab Bag of Options
“We’ve got a grab bag, and we’re shaking it up and seeing who’s capable of going out there and playing,” Silverfield said during the opening week of fall camp.
The statement accurately reflects the current state of the room. There is no established WR1, but most options vying for that role come with major caveats—either due to injuries, limited FBS experience, or simply unproven status at this level.
Marcello Bussey is technically the most experienced returning wideout, but he’s coming off a torn ACL and had just 10 catches last season. While the senior could provide leadership and depth, it’s unclear if he can develop into the dynamic threat Memphis needs to stretch the field.
Then there’s C.J. Smith, the Purdue transfer who drew rave reviews during spring camp. A former four-star recruit, Smith has the physical tools to become a difference-maker. But his college career has been hampered by injuries, and he enters the 2025 season with only 12 career receptions. Still, Silverfield didn’t shy away from expressing his excitement.
“We all saw what he was capable of in the spring,” Silverfield said. “If he can be healthy, could he be special? Absolutely.”
Smith may have the inside track if health permits, but the “if” in that sentence looms large.
The Transfer Portal Haul
Memphis also turned to the transfer portal for help. Louisville transfer Jadon Thompson brings experience and route-running polish, but he is still recovering from his torn ACL. If healthy by midseason, Thompson could become a reliable option in the slot, but counting on his immediate production is risky.
The most recent addition, Cortez Braham from Nevada, could be a wild card. Braham, a big-bodied target with solid hands, recorded 56 receptions for 724 yards and five touchdowns last season. He chose Memphis over UCLA, signaling that the Tigers made a strong impression. His ability to acclimate quickly to the playbook and quarterback timing could determine how much impact he has early in the year.
Youth Movement and Internal Growth
While the transfer portal brings name recognition, the internal growth of younger players may ultimately shape this unit.
Sophomore Brady Kluse is arguably the biggest sleeper candidate on the roster. Kluse came on late in 2024, showcasing dependable hands and the ability to win underneath routes. He may not be a vertical burner, but he projects as a high-floor receiver who could lead the team in catches if he builds on last year’s momentum.
Redshirt freshmen Keonde Henry and Bryce Dorsey are also pushing for time. Coaches have spoken highly of both players’ work ethic and athletic upside. If either flashes in fall camp, they could force their way into the rotation, especially with the coaching staff open to using as many as seven or eight receivers in a game.
And don’t forget about true freshmen Xavier Johnson and Jordan Johnson. Johnson, in particular, had a decorated high school career and arrived in Memphis with expectations. While freshmen rarely become immediate WR1s, stranger things have happened, especially in wide receiver rooms without a defined pecking order.
More: The Road to the American Title Runs Through the Quarterback
What WR1 Looks Like in This Offense
One of the challenges in predicting a breakout WR is the scheme itself. Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey isn’t married to a one-size-fits-all approach. In 2024, the Tigers spread the ball around, with three different receivers eclipsing 600 yards. If the 2025 team finds a similar rhythm, WR1 may be more of a role than a title—someone who draws the top cornerback, eats up key third downs, and stretches the field just enough to create lanes for the running backs.
Still, every good offense needs a reliable go-to option. Whether that’s Smith, Braham, Kluse, or someone currently flying under the radar remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Memphis will need someone to emerge if it wants to reach the American title game and compete for a Group of Five playoff berth.
Memphis enters the 2025 season with arguably more uncertainty at wide receiver than at any point in the Silverfield era. But within that uncertainty lies potential. The transfer portal additions bring pedigree. The returning youth bring hunger. And the coaching staff seems confident that the cream will rise to the top—eventually.
Until then, it’s exactly what Silverfield called it: a grab bag.
And that may not be a bad thing.
Because sometimes, the biggest surprises come when you reach into the unknown.
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