The spring transfer portal window swung open last week, and it didn’t take long for chaos to ensue. Across the country, coaches are scrambling to lock down late-cycle upgrades. One name rising above the noise is former BYU wideout Keelan Marion. In a portal class stacked with names light on proven production, Marion stands out—and he’s now the most sought-after wide receiver available. Boasting over twenty-five Power Four offers and a resume that screams instant impact. For days, he went radio silent, but now, Marion is on the move—and his next stop could shape the playoff picture next fall.

On Tuesday, WR Keelan Marion kicked off a four-stop tour starting at Arizona State, a Big 12 Cinderella program still buzzing from a surprising 2024. The Sun Devils are pushing hard, but they’re just the opening act in a three-day sprint that could determine where the explosive pass catcher lands. According to reports, Marion is visiting SMU, Miami, and Tennessee between April 24-26. Three Power Four teams with immediate needs and postseason dreams. All three reached the College Football Playoff last season and are positioning themselves as the final contenders in a high-stakes recruitment that’s heating up fast.

247Sports’ Chris Hummer weighed in on the situation, hinting at which schools might be emerging from the pack. “He was at Arizona State starting Tuesday. And I don’t know if any other visits have been set to this point,” Hummer said, “but schools to keep an eye on are SMU, Miami, and Tennessee. All three of those programs are very interested in him.” Each of the three contenders brings something unique to the table. “Miami [is] looking for receivers,” Hummer noted. “But SMU really likes what he can do as a kick returner and also his ability to help them out in the slot. Tennessee… could use another receiver or two with some experience and Keelan Marion certainly fits that mold. I think he’s somebody who’s going to take several visits potentially before making a decision and those are certainly some schools to have on the radar.”

That interest isn’t just lip service—Keelan Marion brings legitimate firepower to any receiver room he joins. With 76 catches for 1,125 yards and 12 total touchdowns in his career between UConn and Cougars, Marion has quietly built one of the most well-rounded resumes in the portal. He’s more than just a deep threat; he’s a zone-beater, a crisp route-runner, and a weapon after the catch. He’s also one of the most dangerous special teams players in the country. With 38 kick returns for 881 yards and three touchdowns—including two kickoff return touchdowns in 2024 alone. Marion became the first BYU player to house multiple kicks in a season since Stacy Corley back in the 1990s.

That kind of versatility has NFL scouts watching too. Marion’s open-field acceleration makes him a home run threat on any touch, but it’s his football IQ that allows him to slide seamlessly into multiple offensive schemes. He can line up in the slot, stretch the field on the boundary, or flip field position on special teams. With two years of eligibility remaining and the experience of playing in two different offensive systems, he’s not just a plug-and-play option—he’s a multiplier who makes your whole unit better.

The clock is ticking, though.

Keelan Marion, the speedy secret weapon you don’t want to overlook

If you’re looking for a name to circle as a sneaky-good playmaker in 2025, Keelan Marion is worth your highlighter. The 6-foot, 195-pound WR has already logged over 1,500 career snaps and drawn more than 150 targets between his time at Huskies and BYU. But what the Big 12 transfer brings is not only experience but also an electric skill set to the table.

On3’s scouting report on Marion primarily worked as an outside receiver but did get sprinkled into the slot occasionally in BYU’s RPO-heavy spread attack. OC Aaron Roderick kept things quick and simple—think screens and short stuff—but when Marion got the rock, it was fireworks. He’s got that kind of acceleration where, if there’s even a sliver of space, he’s gone. That speed? It pops even more on special teams, especially in the return game where he can flip field position in a flash.

He’s still raw when it comes to route-running, but his gadget potential is through the roof. Screens, jet sweeps, reverses—you name it, he can thrive in it. As a return man, his long speed is a genuine asset.