Reed Harris, Nik McMillan set for intriguing WR1 matchup
As Kansas prepares for Arizona State, this could become one of the game’s most important individual matchups.
Kansas and Arizona State will bring two of the nation’s hottest wide receivers into their upcoming matchup, creating an intriguing battle between Reed Harris and Nik McMillan.
Through two weeks, Pro Football Focus has Harris ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver in the country and McMillan at No. 3. The rankings give the matchup another layer as both players have quickly established themselves as major threats in their respective offenses.
Harris has been outstanding for Arizona State to begin the season. The 6-foot-5 receiver has recorded 15 catches for 326 yards and four touchdowns through two games. He is averaging 21.7 yards per reception and has already become one of the most productive receivers in college football.
Harris was especially impressive in Arizona State’s Week 2 loss over Texas A&M, catching nine passes for 189 yards. His performance helped push his season totals to 326 yards, which ranks fourth nationally, while his four touchdowns are tied for fifth. He has also produced 146 yards after the catch.
McMillan has been just as important for Kansas. The Buffalo transfer has caught eight passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns through two games. He is averaging 22.8 yards per catch and 91 yards per game, giving Kansas a dangerous downfield option for quarterback Isaiah Marshall.
McMillan’s season began with a dominant performance against Long Island. He caught six passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, earning a 96.1 PFF grade that made him Kansas’ highest-graded player in the season opener.
His production continued against Missouri, even though Kansas lost 38-21. McMillan finished with two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown, including another explosive play that showed why he has quickly become one of the Jayhawks’ biggest offensive weapons.
That sets up a fascinating matchup against Harris. Both receivers have the ability to stretch the field, make contested catches and turn short opportunities into explosive gains. Harris brings exceptional size and athleticism, while McMillan has shown the ability to create big plays downfield.
The PFF rankings make the matchup even more noteworthy. Having the No. 2 and No. 3 graded receivers facing each other this early in the season gives both players an opportunity to strengthen their national reputations.
For Kansas, limiting Harris will be critical. For Arizona State, containing McMillan will be just as important.
With both receivers playing at an elite level through two weeks, the winner of this individual battle could have a major impact on the outcome.
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Jimmy Adeniran is a contributor to JayhawksROUNDTABLE. He can be reached at [email protected]
