Over the past two decades, BYU football has produced an impressive list of wide receivers who have not only lit up LaVell Edwards Stadium but also made waves at the next level. The Cougars’ passing game, fueled by an ever-evolving offensive identity, has given fans highlight after highlight — and these five receivers stand out as the very best since the turn of the century.
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1. Austin Collie (2004, 2007-2008)
When you think of BYU wide receivers in the modern era, Austin Collie is the gold standard. After serving a mission between his freshman and sophomore years, Collie returned to become the program’s all-time leader in receiving yards (3,255) and touchdowns (30). His 2008 season remains legendary — 106 catches, 1,538 yards, and 15 touchdowns. Collie’s precise route-running, sure hands, and ability to make clutch plays in traffic set him apart. He went on to have a strong NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, proving that his dominance wasn’t just a product of BYU’s system.
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2. Cody Hoffman (2010-2013)
If Collie was the smooth technician, Cody Hoffman was the prototype of physical dominance. At 6-foot-4, Hoffman was a matchup nightmare, finishing as BYU’s all-time leader in receptions (260) and touchdowns (33). His consistency was unmatched — he had four straight seasons with over 500 receiving yards, and his 2012 campaign (100 catches, 1,248 yards, 11 TDs) remains one of the best in school history. Hoffman’s ability to high-point the football made him a quarterback’s best friend, especially in the red zone.
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3. Puka Nacua (2021-2022)
Though his BYU career was brief, Puka Nacua’s impact was undeniable. A transfer from Washington, Nacua brought an explosive blend of speed, toughness, and creativity after the catch. Injuries limited his total numbers, but when he was on the field, he was the Cougars’ most dangerous weapon. His knack for making circus catches and turning short passes into big plays made him a nightmare for defenses. The NFL took notice — Nacua exploded as a rookie for the Los Angeles Rams, setting multiple records in 2023.
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4. Mitch Mathews (2011-2015)
Mitch Mathews may not have been as nationally celebrated as some others on this list, but Cougar fans know how valuable he was. Standing 6-foot-6, Mathews used his size to dominate jump-ball situations. He finished his BYU career with 152 receptions, 2,083 yards, and 24 touchdowns. His most famous moment came in 2015 when he caught Tanner Mangum’s last-second Hail Mary against Nebraska — a play that instantly became a part of BYU football lore.
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5. Jordan Leslie (2014)
Jordan Leslie only played one season at BYU after transferring from UTEP, but it was a memorable one. In 2014, he hauled in 55 receptions for 779 yards and 6 touchdowns, showing a knack for big plays and sideline acrobatics. Leslie was a reliable target who consistently made contested catches, and his chemistry with quarterback Taysom Hill helped the offense find balance during a competitive season.
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Honorable Mentions: Todd Watkins (2004-2005), Gunner Romney (2018-2023), Ross Apo (2010-2013) — all of whom had flashes of brilliance but fell just short of this elite group.
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From Collie’s surgical precision to Nacua’s highlight-reel explosiveness, BYU’s receiving tradition has been built on variety, talent, and big-game performances. Each of these receivers left a distinct mark on Cougar football — and on the memories of Cougar Nation.
