FRISCO, Texas — Outside of reaching the playoffs with the BYU Cougars, wide receiver Chase Roberts has one thing on his mind: The 2026 NFL Draft.
One season after he was BYU's leading receiver in the Cougars' 11-2 campaign, Roberts has garnered significant draft buzz, with PFF listing him as the No. 8 WR prospect in 2026.
Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft👀 pic.twitter.com/BOSnSWk9Zq
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 26, 2025
"Being able to get in a position where I'm up there on the draft boards," Roberts said when asked what his goals were for the 2026 season. "Just hoping to get my name called, but obviously, first three rounds are awesome, that's the goal."
If Roberts is selected like most scouts believe will happen, he will be the first BYU wide receiver to be drafted since Puka Nacua was picked by the Rams in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He would be the fifth BYU receiver this century to hear his name called.
Last season, BYU had a balanced one-two attack with Roberts and Darius Lassiter as the top two pass catchers, each amassing over 700 yards and 40 receptions. This season, Roberts won't have the likes of Lassiter and Keelan Marion as his counterparts, and will have a much heavier workload, making his individual goals he set for himself that much higher.
"You always want to get in the 1,000 yard receiving range," Roberts said. "That's a draft staple if you want to get drafted."
Last season, Roberts totaled 52 receptions, 852 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
He is one of three wide receivers selected for the preseason all-Big 12 first-team.