Training camp preview: Top candidates to become Nebraska's new go-to receiver

With a mix of talent, Nebraska’s WR room could go number of ways
Below is a snapshot preview of Nebraska’s wide receivers as the Huskers prepare to begin training camp. Here’s who to watch, the prove-it players and the pecking order.
Who’s here
Zavier Betts, Billy Kemp, Marcus Washington, Ty Hahn, Josh Fleeks, Barron Miles, Shawn Hardy, Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, Alex Bullock, Demitrius Bell, Jeremiah Charles, Malachi Coleman, Jaidyn Doss, Jaylen Lloyd, Brice Turner.
Who’s new
Nebraska signed six wide receivers in its 2023 recruiting class, prioritizing speed and play-making ability at a position that needed reinforcement. Bell, Charles, Coleman, Doss, Lloyd and Turner are the incoming freshmen who will begin practicing in August.
Who’s hurt
No one. All of Nebraska’s returning wide receivers were full-go throughout the spring. Coleman, who shut down his track and field season in the spring due to a hamstring injury, should be a full participant as well.
Snapshot
Nebraska’s one-man band of wide receiver production in 2022 — Trey Palmer accounted for one-third of NU’s receptions and nearly 40% of its receiving yardage — won’t fly this time around. But, who will step up as Nebraska’s new top receiving target?
Washington, NU’s most productive returning wideout, should improve from the 31-catch, 471-yard season he put up a year ago. Bigger things are also in order for Garcia-Castaneda, whose bright start to the 2022 season could be replicated this time around.
In the slot, Nebraska is counting on a pair of veteran transfers for big contributions. Kemp, a Virginia transfer with nearly 200 catches over the last four seasons, should open the year as a starter. Fleeks’ speed and agility also make him a good fit in the slot, with the Baylor transfer set to take on a versatile, hybrid role in the offense.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska, 11.5
Nebraska's Marcus Washington (right) snares a long pass in the fourth quarter next to Minnesota's Terell Smith on Nov. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo
Several of the incoming freshmen wideouts will redshirt, but there’s also an opportunity to gain playing time. The likes of Betts, Miles and Hardy will fight for their spots on the depth chart as well.
Prove-it player
Zavier Betts’ return to the team gives Nebraska another potential play-maker on the outside — but can Betts pick up right where he left off? The 6-foot-2 wideout had a penchant for making explosive plays whenever he hit the field, notably including an 83-yard touchdown run during the 2021 season. After sitting out in 2022 and spending time away from football, it’s no easy task for Betts to immediately slot in as a contributor. If he retained the mix of speed and smooth route-running that got him on the field in the first place, Betts could return to the heights he reached earlier in his career.
Walk-on to watch
Ty Hahn caught the eye of NU coaches in the spring, who had positive reports about the fourth-year sophomore’s progress. Hahn has been a consistent member of Nebraska’s special teams units, using his 6-2 frame and speed to make up ground quickly on kick coverage. Given the uncertainty of who will play on the outside — perhaps Betts, Coleman or Washington — there’s a path to playing time if Hahn can continue impressing coaches in the fall.
Training camp pecking order
1. Kemp, Washington, Garcia-Castaneda.
2. Fleeks, Betts, Doss/Coleman.
3. Miles, Hardy, Hahn/Bell/Charles.