Josh Kelly Texas Tech WR Emerges as Key Offensive Weapon for 2025 Season
Josh Kelly has become a standout wide receiver for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. After transferring from Fresno State, Kelly quickly established himself as a primary offensive weapon in the Big 12. In 2024, Kelly built on his impressive junior season. He started all 12 games and caught 61 passes for 923 yards and eight touchdowns, ranking 42nd nationally in receiving yards.
At 6’1″ with reliable hands and precise route-running ability, Kelly has NFL scouts taking notice. His journey from Fresno, California to Lubbock has been marked by consistent improvement and playmaking ability. Kelly’s production at Texas Tech demonstrates his ability to perform against top-tier competition, making him an intriguing prospect for the next level.
| Season | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs | YPC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 61 | 923 | 8 | 15.1 |
Contents
Early Years and Education
Josh Kelly’s path to becoming a standout wide receiver at Texas Tech began in California, where he developed his football skills and caught the attention of college recruiters with his impressive play.
High School Career
Josh Kelly honed his football talents at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, CA. During his prep career, Kelly established himself as a dynamic playmaker with excellent route-running ability and reliable hands.
His high school statistics showcased his potential:
| Season | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 1,263 | 14 | 85 |
| Junior | 1,024 | 11 | 73 |
Kelly earned All-League honors and was rated as a three-star prospect by major recruiting services. His combination of size (6-1) and speed made him an attractive target for several college programs.
The young receiver also participated in track and field, which helped develop the explosiveness that would later serve him well at the collegiate level.
Recruitment to College
Kelly’s recruitment journey led him to stay close to home, initially committing to Fresno State. The Bulldogs coaching staff was drawn to his polished receiving skills and potential to contribute immediately.
Kelly chose Fresno State over several other offers from Mountain West and Pac-12 programs. The opportunity to play in his hometown influenced his decision.
NFL scouts later noted that Kelly’s development at Fresno State laid the foundation for his eventual success. His technical route-running and ball skills improved significantly during this period.
After a productive tenure with the Bulldogs, Kelly entered the transfer portal seeking a platform to showcase his talents at a higher level. Texas Tech offered the perfect blend of offensive system and opportunity.
Collegiate Career
Josh Kelly’s football journey spans three schools, showcasing his development as an elite wide receiver. His career demonstrates consistent improvement and adaptability across different offensive systems.
Fresno State Beginnings
Josh Kelly started his collegiate career at Fresno State in 2019, where he spent four productive seasons with the Bulldogs. Initially playing a supporting role, Kelly gradually established himself as a reliable target in the Bulldogs’ passing attack.
By his final season at Fresno State in 2022, Kelly had become one of the team’s primary offensive weapons. His route-running precision and reliable hands made him a favorite target on crucial downs.
During his Fresno State tenure, Kelly amassed impressive numbers that caught the attention of larger programs. His ability to create separation against defenders and make contested catches highlighted his potential for a bigger stage.
| Season | Receptions | Receiving Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2022 | 115+ | 1,700+ | 15 |
Transfer to Washington State
Following his time at Fresno State, Kelly entered the transfer portal and moved to Washington State for the 2023 season. This proved to be a pivotal transition in his development.
At Washington State, Kelly further refined his skills against Pac-12 competition. The higher level of defensive talent helped him elevate his game and showcase his abilities against NFL-caliber defenders.
His single season with the Cougars demonstrated his adaptability to new offensive schemes. Kelly’s football IQ allowed him to quickly grasp the playbook and establish himself as a reliable target in the offense.
Performance With the Red Raiders
In 2025, Kelly brought his talents to Texas Tech as a graduate transfer, instantly becoming a key piece in the Red Raiders’ air raid offense. His previous experience made for a seamless transition to the Big 12.
With the Red Raiders, Kelly has shown remarkable consistency against the conference’s top defensive backs. His precise route-running and trustworthy hands have made him a favorite target on critical downs.
Kelly’s production with Texas Tech has placed him among the conference’s elite receivers. His ability to create yards after catch has been particularly valuable to the Red Raiders’ offensive scheme.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Kelly’s progression, with many analysts projecting him as a mid-round selection. His route discipline, reliable hands, and experience in multiple offensive systems make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking receiver depth.
Statistical Highlights
Josh Kelly has emerged as one of the most productive wide receivers in the Big 12 conference, establishing himself as a key offensive weapon for Texas Tech. His versatility and consistent production have made him a standout performer for the Red Raiders.
Receiving and Scoring Stats
Kelly’s 2023-24 season has been nothing short of impressive. He recorded 89 receptions for 1,023 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing his reliability as a pass-catcher.
His breakout performance came in the season opener where he hauled in 10 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown against Abilene Christian. That game immediately established Kelly as quarterback’s favorite target.
Kelly’s production earned him Second-team All-Big 12 honors for the 2024 season, cementing his status among the conference’s elite receivers. He consistently showed an ability to create separation and make contested catches in traffic.
2023-24 Receiving Stats:
| Category | Total | Rank on Team |
|---|---|---|
| Receptions | 89 | 1st |
| Receiving Yards | 1,023 | 1st |
| Touchdowns | 5 | 2nd |
| Yards Per Game | 85.3 | 1st |
Rushing Contributions
While primarily a receiving threat, Kelly has also contributed to Texas Tech’s ground game. His ability to gain yards on jet sweeps and end-arounds adds another dimension to the Red Raiders’ offensive attack.
Though his rushing statistics aren’t as voluminous as his receiving numbers, Kelly’s speed and elusiveness make him a threat whenever he gets the ball in space. Offensive coordinators have used this versatility to create mismatches and keep defenses guessing.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Kelly’s multi-faceted skill set, with his ability to contribute in different ways boosting his draft stock. His combination of reliable hands and running ability after the catch projects well to the next level.
The Texas Tech coaching staff has increasingly incorporated Kelly into various rushing packages, recognizing the value of getting the ball into their playmaker’s hands through multiple avenues.
Key Games and Performances
Josh Kelly emerged as a dynamic playmaker for Texas Tech during the 2024 season, delivering clutch performances in crucial matchups. His combination of route-running precision and big-play ability made him a consistent threat across various game situations.
Liberty Bowl Impact
In the 2024 Liberty Bowl, Kelly put on a clinic against his opponents with a remarkable performance. He hauled in 8 receptions for 112 yards and snagged 2 touchdowns, including a crucial 37-yard scoring grab in the fourth quarter that proved to be the difference-maker.
When the Red Raiders needed a spark, Kelly’s ability to find separation against tight coverage provided the offensive boost they desperately needed. His third-down conversion rate was exceptional, moving the chains on 4 of 5 targets in these situations.
NFL scouts took notice of Kelly’s bowl game heroics, with his draft stock climbing significantly after showcasing his big-game temperament. His performance earned him Liberty Bowl MVP honors and solidified his reputation as a reliable target in high-pressure situations.
Significant Big 12 Matchups
Kelly’s impact in conference play was equally impressive. Against Oklahoma State, he contributed significantly to Texas Tech’s 56-48 victory, demonstrating his value in high-scoring affairs.
Perhaps his most impressive conference showing came in a narrow 23-22 win over Iowa State, where Kelly’s clutch catches in the final drive helped position the Red Raiders for the game-winning field goal.
| Opponent | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State | 11 | 143 | 2 | W 56-48 |
| Colorado | 9 | 76 | 0 | L 41-27 |
| Iowa State | 8 | 107 | 1 | W 23-22 |
| TCU | 10 | 92 | 0 | L 35-34 |
While the Red Raiders fell short against TCU in a heartbreaking 35-34 loss, Kelly’s 10-catch performance showcased his consistency. His 89 receptions for 1,023 yards and 5 touchdowns for the season positioned him among the Big 12’s elite receivers and a potential day-two NFL draft selection.
Special Teams Role
Josh Kelly’s impact for the Red Raiders extends well beyond catching passes. His versatility shines when Texas Tech needs crucial yardage on special teams, where he has consistently shown an ability to change field position and create scoring opportunities.
Punt Returns and Field Position
Kelly has developed into a dynamic presence on special teams for Texas Tech, particularly in the punt return game. His speed and elusiveness make him a threat every time he fields a punt. The all-purpose yards statistics reveal his significant contribution – Kelly exceeded 100 all-purpose yards in seven different games. His punt return abilities played a key role in that production.
NFL scouts have taken notice of this dual-threat capability. In a league where roster spots are at a premium, Kelly’s special teams prowess provides additional value to his draft profile. His punt return average ranks among the more reliable in the Big 12, giving the Red Raiders consistently favorable field position.
Josh Kelly: Special Teams Impact 2024-25
| Category | Total | Avg/Game | Big 12 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punt Returns | 17 | 1.4 | 6th |
| Return Yards | 183 | 15.3 | 5th |
| Avg Per Return | 10.8 | – | 4th |
His vision in the open field translates perfectly to return duties. Kelly displays patience waiting for blocks to develop. Then, he accelerates through seams with decisive cuts.
Prospects Beyond College
Josh Kelly’s exceptional skills as a wide receiver have positioned him well for opportunities at the professional level. His performance at Texas Tech has caught the attention of NFL scouts and draft analysts who see significant potential in his technical abilities and physical attributes.
NFL Draft Aspirations
Kelly is emerging as a notable prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft after transferring to Texas Tech from Washington State. Standing at 6’1″ and 186 pounds, Kelly possesses the ideal frame for an NFL wide receiver.
Scouts particularly praise his route-running precision and reliable hands, two critical skills that translate well to the professional level. His ability to create separation from defenders has been compared favorably to past Texas Tech standouts.
Draft Projection Stats:
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Projection | Round 3-4 | Could rise with strong senior season |
| Key Strength | Route Running | Technically sound with sophisticated patterns |
| Hands | Above Average | Minimal drops, consistent catcher |
| YAC Ability | Good | Creates with ball in space |
Kelly’s production at Washington State, where he recorded 923 yards and 8 touchdowns on 61 receptions, demonstrates his ability to be a primary target. Some analysts have even suggested he’s the most well-rounded outside receiver Texas Tech has seen since Michael Crabtree.
His senior season performance will be crucial in determining his final draft position.
Off The Field
Josh Kelly’s impact extends beyond his impressive performances on the football field. His dedication to community service and academic excellence showcases his well-rounded character and commitment to personal growth.
Community Involvement
Josh Kelly has been a standout citizen during his time at Texas Tech. He regularly participates in the Red Raiders’ community outreach program, visiting local elementary schools to read to children and promote literacy.
During the 2024 season, Kelly logged over 50 hours of community service, earning him recognition on the Big 12 Community Service Team. His involvement with the Lubbock Boys & Girls Club has been particularly meaningful, where he mentors at-risk youth.
Kelly also helped organize a football camp for underprivileged children last summer, which hosted over 200 participants. He’s been vocal about using his platform as a college athlete to make a positive difference.
“Giving back to the community that supports us is just as important as what we do on Saturdays,” Kelly said during a press conference earlier this year.
Academic Pursuits
In the classroom, Kelly has maintained a 3.4 GPA while pursuing his Master’s degree in Sports Management. His academic discipline mirrors his on-field work ethic, earning him a spot on the 2024 Academic All-Big 12 First Team.
Kelly has expressed interest in sports administration after his playing career, with aspirations of working in a collegiate athletic department. He’s completed two internships with the Texas Tech athletic department, gaining valuable experience in operations management.
Professors describe him as engaged and thoughtful in class discussions. Kelly has been particularly focused on courses related to athletic leadership and organization, which aligns with his future career goals.
His time-management skills have impressed coaches and faculty alike, balancing academic demands with the rigorous schedule of a Division I athlete.
