Why ASU's Uriah Neloms Is Star in the Making

The second-year Sun Devil is positioned to be a breakout player in the year(s) ahead in Tempe.

Arizona State wide receiver Uriah Neloms during spring practice at Kajakawa Practice fields on April 16, 2025, in Tempe. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The 2026 Arizona State football roster is chock-full of athleticism, production, and overall high-end talent, with wide receiver being of special interest in these areas.

Omarion Miller, Reed Harris, and even Derek Eusebio will grab most of the headlines out of the group this offseason, but a redshirt freshman from Arizona has started to leave his mark on the program during the spring.

Arizona State wide receiver Uriah Neloms (81) runs a drill during football practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on Aug 1, 2025. | Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Uriah Neloms has been a standout name throughout the first three weeks of spring practices, which is difficult to dispute. Arizona State on SI argues three points behind why the native of Gilbert is the next big thing in ASU's receiver room below.

Neloms Has Elite Athletic Profile

Neloms is a local product who played high school football at the second-lowest region in the state at San Tan Charter - he started quarterback as a senior in 2024, which speaks to the sheer high-end athleticism that the now receiver possesses.

The redshirt freshman is 6'4" and 215 pounds, which makes him an ideal protégé to Boston College transfer Reed Harris. Beyond the raw measurements lie how fluid Neloms moves - his route running, body control, explosive speed, and ability to move well in many different scenarios.

Redshirt freshman WR Uriah Neloms with some smooth route running during one-on-ones.

The local product is a rising young piece within ASU’s WR room 👀@SunDevilSource pic.twitter.com/iSmW0YURjw

— Jakob Brooks (@Jakobrooks) March 24, 2026

Neloms is also an exceptional player when it comes to high-pointing balls - including a highlight-reel grab on Thursday that was one of the most impressive catches of the day.

Ultimately, high-gear athleticism, greatly improved route running, and secure hands have served him well three weeks into spring.

Neloms Fits Dillingham's Mold of Playmaker

San Tan Charter quarterback Uriah Neloms (1) scrambles out of the pocket against Scottsdale Christian Academy on Aug. 23, 2024 at Scottsdale Christian HS football stadium in Phoenix. | Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Gilbert native is a selfless player who has fit in perfectly as a local prodigy that head coach Kenny Dillingham has actively sought out when building an Arizona-laden roster.

He shows up to practice in conspicuous ways on a reliable basis, has obviously worked incredibly hard to get to where he is now, and is now making plays in legitimate practice repetitions, which has opened the door for the dynamic athlete to see game action this coming season.

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

While there's no guarantee that Neloms plays in 2026, the foundation has been laid for the Gilbert native to be a breakout star in 2027 and beyond under the guidance of position coach Hines Ward - although there are going to be opportunities for Neloms to compete for real playing time in fall practice, which is set to be put in motion in late July.