By Tiffany Williams –
Kingston, R.I. — University of Rhode Island wide receiver Marquis Buchanan is entering the 2025 season as one of the top returning offensive players in FCS football — and NFL scouts may want to start paying closer attention.
Buchanan, a redshirt junior, was recently named to the 2025 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List, an honor reserved for the nation’s top FCS offensive players. Following a standout 2024 campaign, Buchanan is expected to lead a potent Rams offense as the team looks to defend its CAA Football Championship and make a deeper postseason run.
In 2024, Buchanan caught 82 passes for 1,124 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing eighth nationally in receiving yards. He became just the eighth player in program history to record a 1,000-yard season and enters the fall with 1,762 career receiving yards, currently 10th all-time at URI.
With key offensive pieces returning and another year of development under his belt, Buchanan is expected to take his game to the next level. Projections for the 2025 season include surpassing 90 receptions, approaching or exceeding 1,300 receiving yards, and reaching double-digit touchdowns for the first time in his career — milestones that could place him among the nation’s elite at the FCS level.
Buchanan’s success in 2024 was fueled by a combination of volume, consistency, and big-play ability. He surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark in four games and became the go-to target in high-leverage moments throughout the season.
Coaches and analysts point to his precise route running, ability to separate from defenders, and strong hands as key reasons why he’s difficult to defend. Buchanan’s football IQ and ability to read coverages have also allowed him to find gaps in zone schemes and win consistently in man-to-man matchups.
URI head coach Jim Fleming and the Rams coaching staff have consistently praised Buchanan’s preparation, discipline, and quiet leadership. His attention to detail in film sessions and team-first approach have made him a cornerstone of the program’s recent success.
While Power 5 programs often dominate NFL draft boards, Buchanan’s profile is drawing comparisons to recent FCS standouts like Cooper Kupp, Christian Watson, and Jimmy Garoppolo — all of whom made the leap from small-school stars to NFL contributors.
At 6-foot-1 with a large catch radius, Buchanan has the physical tools to compete at the next level. He’s shown the ability to win in contested-catch situations, break away after the catch, and create mismatches with his speed and agility. His technical route running and ability to find space make him an ideal fit in a timing-based NFL offense.
With the 2025 season serving as a critical showcase, Buchanan could elevate his draft stock significantly with another productive year and a potential invite to a postseason all-star game such as the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Bowl.
As the Rams prepare for their 2025 opener, Buchanan is not just preparing to lead his team — he’s building a case to be one of the most respected receivers in the nation. With continued consistency and high-level performances against strong CAA competition, he could become one of the most coveted small-school prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class.
URI’s success will likely hinge on Buchanan’s ability to continue producing at an elite level. But whether or not the Rams repeat as conference champions, one thing is clear: Marquis Buchanan isn’t just on the watch list — he’s on the rise.