Ricky White III UNLV WR: Rising Star Making Impact in College Football

Few players have made as dramatic an impact as Ricky White III has for the UNLV Rebels. The former Big Ten wideout transformed himself into an All-American performer since arriving in Las Vegas. His journey from Michigan State to Mountain West stardom represents one of college football’s most impressive development stories.

In 2023, White shattered UNLV’s four-decade-old receiving yards record while tying the school mark with 88 receptions, establishing himself as one of the nation’s premier receivers and a legitimate NFL prospect. Not content with dominating just on offense, White has showcased his versatility by excelling on special teams as well, earning Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year honors and adding return specialist to his impressive resume.

NFL scouts have taken notice of the 6-foot-1 playmaker born February 6, 2002. White’s combination of route-running precision, reliable hands, and explosive playmaking ability after the catch makes him an intriguing prospect for the next level. His remarkable transformation from Big Ten contributor to Mountain West superstar demonstrates the development potential that NFL teams covet when evaluating wide receiver talent.

Early Life and High School Career

Ricky White III’s journey to college football stardom began in his formative years, where his athletic talents were first recognized on Georgia high school fields. His development as a wide receiver showed early signs of the playmaking ability that would later define his collegiate career.

Marietta, GA Origins

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Ricky White III eventually made his way to Marietta, Georgia, where he attended Marietta High School. At Marietta, White quickly established himself as a standout wide receiver, showcasing the speed and hands that would later become his calling card.

During his high school career, White hauled in 55 receptions for 1,006 yards, demonstrating his big-play ability and dependable hands. These impressive numbers weren’t just empty statistics – they revealed a young receiver with exceptional route-running ability and field awareness beyond his years.

White’s performance at Marietta helped him draw attention from major college programs, setting the foundation for his eventual path to Michigan State and later UNLV. Standing at 6’1″, the young receiver combined good size with impressive athleticism that made college scouts take notice.

College Career at UNLV

Ricky White III transformed the UNLV receiving corps after transferring to the program, becoming one of the most productive wide receivers in school history. His combination of route-running precision and big-play ability made him a cornerstone of the Rebels’ offense throughout his tenure.

Freshman Year Impact

White arrived at UNLV looking for a fresh start after previously playing at Michigan State. The 6’1″ receiver wasted no time making his presence felt in the Mountain West Conference. He quickly established himself as a reliable target in the passing game, showcasing his ability to create separation and make contested catches.

White’s transition to the desert proved seamless as he developed chemistry with the Rebels’ quarterback. His natural athleticism and football IQ helped him navigate the learning curve of a new offense.

By season’s end, White had accumulated impressive numbers and laid the foundation for what would become a stellar career at UNLV.

Freshman Stats	Total
Receptions	43
Receiving Yards	633
Touchdowns	5
Yards/Reception	14.7

Sophomore Season Highlights

White’s sophomore campaign showcased his development into a true No. 1 receiver. His route-running took a significant leap forward, allowing him to consistently beat coverage and provide a safety valve for the UNLV offense. What stood out was his ability to turn routine plays into explosive ones.

The season included multiple 100+ yard performances, including a breakout game against Air Force where he hauled in 8 catches for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns. White demonstrated exceptional body control along the sidelines and reliable hands in traffic.

His sophomore production earned him recognition as one of the Mountain West’s premier receivers. NFL scouts began taking notice of his field-stretching ability and knack for making plays after the catch.

Junior Year Statistics

White’s junior year represented his true arrival as a national standout. Named First Team All-Mountain West, he put together a campaign that rewrote portions of the UNLV record book. His consistency week-to-week became his calling card, recording at least 5 receptions in 10 games.

His signature performance came against Nevada, where he torched the Wolf Pack for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns in a rivalry game victory. White’s ability to win at all three levels of the field made him virtually unguardable in one-on-one situations.

Beyond receiving, he expanded his value by contributing in the return game, adding special teams impact to his growing résumé.

Junior Stats	Total
Receptions	88
Receiving Yards	1,406
Touchdowns	9
All-Purpose Yards	1,589

Senior Season Achievements

White’s senior campaign cemented his legacy as one of UNLV’s all-time greats. Named an All-American and again earning First Team All-Mountain West honors, he became the focal point of every defensive game plan. White also captured the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year award, showcasing his versatility.

His production remained elite despite facing constant double teams. White displayed improved physicality at the catch point and continued refinement as a route-runner. He led the conference in receiving yards and ranked among the national leaders in all-purpose yardage.

NFL Draft analysts now project White as a mid-round selection with rising stock. His combination of production, athleticism, and technical skill makes him an intriguing prospect at the next level. Currently ranked as the #27 receiver in the 2025 draft class, teams value his proven production and playmaking ability.

Statistical Overview

Ricky White III has emerged as one of UNLV’s most dominant offensive weapons, showcasing exceptional receiving skills while building an impressive statistical profile across multiple seasons. His production has steadily increased, particularly during his time with the Rebels.

Receiving Yards Milestones

White has demonstrated remarkable consistency and big-play ability throughout his collegiate career. With the 2024 season seeing him accumulate 1,041 yards, he solidified his status as a premier receiver in the Mountain West Conference. This marked his second consecutive 1,000+ yard season at UNLV.

Over his entire college career spanning time at Michigan State and UNLV, White has amassed 3,387 receiving yards – a testament to his durability and consistent production.

His yards-per-catch average of 13.2 in 2024 demonstrates his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays.

Season	School	Receptions	Yards	Avg	TDs
2024	UNLV	79	1,041	13.2	11
Career	UNLV/MSU	233	3,387	14.5	25

Touchdown Contributions

White’s nose for the end zone has made him a valuable scoring threat throughout his career. In the 2024 season alone, he scored 11 receiving touchdowns, accounting for a significant portion of UNLV’s passing offense.

His career total of 25 touchdowns shows his consistent ability to finish drives. This scoring efficiency has improved each season, making him an increasingly reliable red zone target.

White’s touchdown production is particularly impressive considering his role in an offense that has evolved significantly during his time with the program. NFL scouts have noted his ability to create separation and make contested catches in scoring situations – critical skills for the next level.

Rushing Versatility

While primarily excelling as a pass-catcher, White has occasionally demonstrated his versatility through designed rushing plays. Though limited in volume, these opportunities showcase his elusiveness in space and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense.

His rushing attempts typically come on jet sweeps and end-arounds, allowing UNLV’s offensive coordinators to get the ball in his hands through alternative means when defenses focus on limiting his receiving opportunities.

This versatility enhances White’s draft stock, as NFL teams increasingly value receivers who can contribute in multiple ways. His willingness to engage as a rusher demonstrates both team-first mentality and adaptability.

With his combination of speed and field vision, White has turned several designed runs into significant gains, adding another dimension to his offensive impact.

Total Offense Impact

When examining White’s complete offensive contributions, his impact extends beyond traditional receiving statistics. His 233 career receptions have often come at crucial moments in games, demonstrating his clutch performance abilities.

White’s consistency is perhaps his most impressive quality. His game logs show minimal drop-off regardless of opponent quality, making him a reliable target in all situations. This dependability has made him a cornerstone of UNLV’s offensive game planning.

Standing at 6’1″ with a 76 2/8″ wingspan, White’s physical attributes complement his statistical production. These measurements, combined with his proven production, have positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ricky White III has developed into one of the most dynamic receivers in college football during his time at UNLV. His versatility and technical prowess make him a dangerous weapon within the Rebels’ offensive scheme.

Wide Receiver Skills

White’s game is built upon exceptional route-running precision that consistently creates separation from defenders. At 6-0½” and 179 pounds, he possesses the twitchiness and sudden direction change ability that defensive backs struggle to match.

His release package at the line of scrimmage is advanced, allowing him to beat press coverage despite his relatively slight frame. What stands out is White’s spatial awareness – he consistently finds soft spots in zone coverage and settles into them with perfect timing.

White excels from both outside and slot positions, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in deployment. His hands are reliable with 8⅞” measurement, showing strong technique when plucking the ball away from his body.

Contested Catch Ability

White consistently wins in tight coverage situations despite not being the largest receiver prospect. His body control in mid-air allows him to adjust to poorly thrown balls and maintain concentration through contact.

White’s competitive toughness shows up repeatedly on film. He refuses to concede on passes where defenders have established good position. His timing on jumps and high-pointing ability compensate for height limitations when battling for 50/50 balls.

What separates White in these situations is his focus. He tracks the ball exceptionally well over either shoulder and maintains concentration through the catch point. This skill translates directly to third-down and red-zone situations where windows are tighter.

Contested Catch Stats	2023 Season
Contested targets	27
Contested catches	19
Contested catch %	70.4%

Scoring Aptitude

White has proven himself as a true playmaker with consistent scoring production for the Rebels. His touchdown production speaks to both his red-zone effectiveness and big-play ability.

What makes White dangerous near the goal line is his combination of precise footwork and body control. He creates separation in tight quarters through subtle movements that defenders struggle to mirror. His ability to sell routes with convincing stems often leaves defensive backs a step behind.

In the open field, White demonstrates the acceleration and vision to turn moderate gains into explosive scoring plays. His yards-after-catch ability stems from natural elusiveness rather than pure power.

White’s value extends beyond receiver duties as evidenced by his recognition as the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. There, he applies his offensive skillset to create additional scoring opportunities.

Awards and Recognition

Ricky White III has emerged as one of college football’s most decorated receivers during his time at UNLV. The talented wideout earned the prestigious Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year honor, showcasing his versatility beyond just catching passes.

White’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed in conference play. He was named First Team All-Mountain West as a wide receiver and made history as the first Rebel receiver to earn First Team All-MW honors in multiple seasons.

His national recognition is equally impressive. In 2023, White collected All-America honors from multiple publications:

Publication	Honor
Action Network	First Team All-America
College Football Network	Second Team All-America
Associated Press	Third Team All-America

The 2024 preseason brought more accolades as White was named a Preseason Sporting News All-American, cementing his status among college football’s elite receivers.

White’s excellence extends beyond the field. He earned Academic All-America honors while maintaining a 3.58 GPA as a human services graduate, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic success.

NFL scouts have taken notice of White’s production, route-running precision, and versatility. His receiving yards production and special teams contributions make him an intriguing mid-round prospect who could provide immediate value at multiple positions.

NFL Draft Prospects

Ricky White III has positioned himself as a compelling wide receiver prospect for NFL teams. His combination of route running intelligence, size, and production at UNLV has scouts taking notice ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

NFL Scouting Combine Performance

White measured in at 6’1″ and 184 pounds at the NFL Combine, showing good size for the position while maintaining his explosiveness. His route tree versatility allows him to threaten defenses at all three levels of the field.

The former UNLV standout demonstrated solid hands during receiving drills, confirming what his game tape already showed. Scouts particularly noted his ability to create separation, a critical skill that often translates well to the professional level.

White’s journey to the Combine included an interesting collegiate path. He began at Michigan State, where he recorded 10 catches for 223 yards and a touchdown as a freshman before transferring to UNLV.

2025 NFL Draft Predictions

Draft analysts currently project White as a late-round selection. According to multiple scouting reports, he carries a seventh-round draft projection with an overall ranking of #217 among all prospects and #27 among wide receivers.

White’s collegiate production speaks volumes about his potential. Over 43 college games, he accumulated 2,448 offensive snaps, showcasing both durability and consistent playing time.

His high football IQ and polished route-running ability give him a solid foundation to contribute at the professional level. Teams looking for receiver depth in the later rounds could find tremendous value in White’s skill set.

Category	Ranking/Projection
Overall Draft Rank	#217
Position Rank (WR)	#27
Draft Projection	7th Round
College Games	43
College Snaps	2,448

Projected Team Fits

The Dallas Cowboys emerge as an intriguing landing spot for White. With questions about their receiver depth behind CeeDee Lamb, Dallas could use a technically sound route-runner to develop behind their star wideout.

Teams seeking high-IQ receivers who can play multiple positions will find value in White. His experience operating successfully at all three levels of the field makes him versatile enough to fit various offensive systems.

White’s production at UNLV after transferring from Michigan State demonstrates adaptability and growth – qualities NFL teams covet. His background as a four-star recruit speaks to the raw talent that has always been evident in his game.

NFL front offices looking for developmental receivers with starter upside in later rounds will have White circled on their draft boards.

Personal Life

Ricky White III, born on February 6, 2002, has become one of college football’s most electric talents while maintaining a low-key presence off the field.

White’s journey to UNLV stardom began at Michigan State, where he first showcased his exceptional receiving abilities before transferring and truly finding his home with the Rebels.

His teammates and coaches consistently praise his work ethic. When your best player is your hardest worker, as noted about White, that’s when championship cultures are built.

White transformed from promising Big Ten talent to returning All-American in his senior season with the Rebels. His development speaks to both natural ability and dedicated improvement.

The 6’1″, 184-pound receiver possesses physical attributes that translate well to the next level:

Measurement	Value	Percentile
Height	6’1″	52%
Weight	184 lbs	12%
Hand Size	9¼”	43%
Arm Length	31¾”	46%
Wingspan	76⅜”	48%

Though born in Georgia, White’s football journey has taken him across the country, from the Midwest at Michigan State to the desert landscape of Las Vegas.

White’s record-breaking 2023 season, where he posted a school-record 1,483 receiving yards, earned him national recognition and solidified his status as a legitimate NFL prospect.

References and External Links

For those who want to learn more about Ricky White III’s impressive career at UNLV, here are some valuable resources to explore.

The UNLV Rebels official athletics page provides White’s complete profile. It also includes his journey from the Big Ten to becoming an All-American wideout.

A comprehensive Wikipedia entry offers background on White. It notes his birth date (February 6, 2002) and his dual role as both receiver and return specialist.

NFL Draft Projections

Category	Rating	Ranking
Overall Prospect	Top 15 WR	3rd Round Projection
Speed/Separation	85%	Top Tier
Hands/Catch Radius	82%	Above Average
Defense Rating	71%	Solid

The detailed Sports Illustrated draft profile highlights White’s measurements (6’1″, 184 lbs) and background from Marietta, GA.

For statistical tracking, ESPN’s player page offers live updates, game highlights, and performance metrics throughout his collegiate career.

You can find scout evaluations and comparative prospect rankings at NFL Draft Buzz. It provides percentage ratings across various skill categories.