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ASU's Predicted Starting WR's After Jordyn Tyson Drafted

Hines Ward did an amazing job of reloading the WR position for the Sun Devils.
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receivers coach Hines Ward against the Brigham Young Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receivers coach Hines Ward against the Brigham Young Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The days of the Arizona State Sun Devils being an afterthought in the NFL draft over the course of this decade are now over.

This became apparent when numerous players became high-level prospects over the last two seasons, particularly in Jordyn Tyson, who was selected number eight overall by the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night in the draft.

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Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (WO40) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

The loss of Tyson was clearly always going to sting, but WR coach Hines Ward did an exceptional job at regrouping talent at the position, adding several elite transfer portal players, while also cultivating in-house talent.

Arizona State on SI projects the three players that are currently favored to follow in Tyson's footsteps as a starter heading into the season opener against Morgan State below.

"Z" Receiver: Omarion Miller

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Omarion Miller (#4 WR) catches a pass during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026. | Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona State rostering two players that are of "WR1" caliber is of extreme advantage to the coaching staff - this sentiment fully shows here.

Miller's standing as a "z" would allow him to put his versatility on full display - being utilized in motion, avoiding being jammed in coverage at times, and excelling in the intermediate/deep passing game.

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Omarion Miller (#4 WR) during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026. | Mark Henle/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Miller is an unquestioned starter in Tempe and has the potential to elicit shades of what Tyson left behind.

"X" Receiver: Reed Harris

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Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris (3) runs a route during a spring practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe, Ariz. on April 14, 2026. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Harris fits the mold of a traditional "x" receiver perfectly - the Boston College transfer leverages a 6'5" frame and fluid movement to beat press coverage on the way towards securing an average of 20 yards per reception for his career.

The junior has shown flashes of next-level stars such as Mike Evans, and very well should be considered as an equal to Miller - it will be incredibly interesting to see how the elite talents play off of one another this season.

"Y" Receiver: Raiden Vines-Bright

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Sep 6, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright (7) runs for yards after the catch against the UC Davis Aggies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Vines-Bright will absolutely be facing competition to serve as Arizona State's starting slot receiver, as the returning Jalen Moss has come on strong in recent weeks during spring practices.

However, Vines-Bright has done nothing but impress coaches during his three months back in Tempe as an Arizona native. The sophomore is exceptional at breaking down zone coverage, operating in tight windows, and running short-to-intermediate routes that slot receivers typically thrive in.

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Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receivers coach Hines Ward against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Receivers such as Jaren Hamilton, Uriah Neloms, Derek Eusebio, and Cory Butler Jr. deserve recognition as well for what will be the deepest receiver room of the Kenny Dillingham era.

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Kevin Hicks
KEVIN HICKS

Kevin Hicks is an Arizona State alumni and now serves as the Arizona State Beat Writer On SI.