Receiver James Madison II

When you look at Missouri Football’s roster on paper, no position group will catch your eye more than the receiver position. Players like Luther Burden III, Theo Wease and others will make it difficult for players lower on the depth chart to rise. Freshman James Madison II has the potential to rise up the Tigers’ receiver core.

Madison, a tall, lanky receiver from Florida, is excellent after the catch and hard to stop at the receiving end. He’s the prototype for Eli Drinkwitz and could have a chance to break into a sixth or seventh receiver position this year. He has a great opportunity to grow and learn behind an elite core of receivers, an opportunity many across the country won’t have this year. Here’s everything you need to know about the shifty, good Madison.

Last year, Madison II caught 47 passes for 637 yards and 10 touchdowns at TRU Prep Academy. The year before, he caught 19 passes for 407 yards and 6 touchdowns. He totaled 17 touchdowns in his four-year college football career. Madison also worked as a kick returner for his team, returning 6 for 219 yards. He averaged 36.5 yards per return on his returns, the longest being an 80-yard return.

Madison’s statistical performances during his senior year helped TRU Academy win a state title in 2023, its fifth in a row. He also made the MaxPreps All-Freshman Team during his junior year of high school in 2020.

Madison was rated a composite 4-star prospect by 247Sports, ranking him No. 444 in the country. That also puts him as the No. 67 receiver and No. 58 player in the state of Florida. ESPN and Rivals both rank him as a 4-star recruit, with ESPN ranking him as the No. 41 receiver and No. 39 player in Florida.

Before committing to the Tigers, he announced a top five that included Louisville, Oregon, Michigan and Florida State. According to On3’s predictive model, Florida State had the best chance of landing Madison. He also received offers from Georgia, Alabama, Miami, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and many other Power Five schools.

Madison’s size is his best asset. He has long arms and a big 6’3″ frame that help him take on taller cornerbacks. He also has great top-end speed that helps him after the catch. His size and speed make him a nightmare in the slot as well.

The hard truth for Madison is that the Tigers’ receiving core is one of the best in the country. The new recruits at the position know they’ll see little to no play. Madison could make a few catches for Missouri this year, maybe a touchdown or two, but he probably won’t be a top-tier threat. Last year, freshmen Marquis Johnson and Daniel Blood made an impact for the Tigers at the position when most people didn’t expect it. Madison could be a candidate to do the same.

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