UCF position preview: Wide receiver

The third in a position-by-position look at the 2024 UCF heading into the summer:

RECEIVERS

What to expect

The Knights are returning two of their top three receivers. Kobe Hudson had 900 yards and 8 touchdowns and Xavier Townsend with 325 yards and 3 touchdowns will provide a strong foundation. With Javon Baker leaving, Hudson becomes the team’s top target. This comes after Baker became the first UCF receiver to have a 1,000-yard season since Marlon Williams in 2018.

Coach Gus Malzahn is eager to see Hudson take on a larger role.

“Now he is in that role of what it feels like to be a No. 1 guy and he and [quarterback] KJ [Jefferson] have a good relationship, he’s in a good spot to take that next step,” Malzahn said.

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Trent Whittemore (36 yards) and Jarrad Baker (45 yards) will play larger roles alongside returning players Chauncey Magwood and Tyree Patterson. Transfers Jacoby Jones and Ja’Varrius Johnson are expected to bolster depth. Early enrollees Bredell Richardson, Kason Stokes and Jordyn Bridgewater made a strong impression on the coaching staff during spring.

On the roster

Kobe Hudson, Fifth year
Xavier Townsend, Jr.
Trent Whittemore, RS-Sr.
Jarrad Baker, Fifth year
Chauncey Magwood, RS-Jr.
Dwartney Wortham, RS-So.
Tyree Patterson, RS-Fr.

Departures

Javon Baker (eligibility)
Corey Gammage (eligibility)
Dionte Marks (eligibility)
Jajuan Forte (eligibility)
Stephen Martin (transfer to Samford)
Amari Johnson (transfer to FAMU)
Jaylon Griffin (transfer to Tulane)
Tyler Griffin (transfer to La.-Monroe)
Andrew Dickson
Cullen Smith

Arrivals

Jacoby Jones, Fifth year (transfer from Ohio)
Ja’Varrius Johnson, Fifth year (transfer from Auburn)
Bredell Richardson, Fr. (signee)
Kason Stokes, Fr. (signee)
Jordyn Bridgewater, Fr. (signee)

Projected depth chart

WR1 — Kobe Hudson
WR1 — Xavier Townsend
WR1 — Trent Whittemore

WR2 — Bredell Richardson
WR2 — Jarrad Baker
WR2 — Jacoby Jones

WR3 — Tyree Patterson
WR3 — Ja’Varrius Johnson
WR3 — Chauncey Magwood

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Coming Sunday: Tight end

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com