Miami’s receiving room just got a national co-sign. ESPN named sophomore wideout Joshisa “JoJo” Trader as one of its top second-year breakout candidates for 2025, citing the burst he flashed in Miami’s bowl game and the snaps available in a retooled position group. In ESPN’s list, Trader appears at No. 4 among second-year players poised to surge.
"Trader is 6-foot-1 with smooth, fluid movements and quick hands to pluck the ball on the run for big gainers. He's a legitimate three-level threat. Trader will team up with tight end Elija Lofton to give Miami two breakout stars on offense for Carson Beck to work with."Billy Tucker
The full list is:
- Ohio State QB Julian Sayin
- Michigan RB Jordan Marshall
- Georgia CB Ellis Robinson
- Miami WR Joshisa Trader
- Tennessee WR's Mike Matthews or Braylon Staley
- Oregon DB Kingston Lopa
- Notre Dame QB C.J. Carr
- Wisconsin RB Dilin Jones
- Texas OT Brandon Baker
- Stanford QB Elijah Brown
RB Sire Gaines out of Boise State was ESPN's selection for the Group of 5.
When looking at Trader, the case is there to make for a breakout year. As a true freshman in 2024, Trader posted a modest line (6 receptions, 91 yards, 1 TD) but his best moment came on a 40-yard touchdown from Cam Ward in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State. That specific play and the performance — 3 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown — are exactly what ESPN points to as a preview of his ceiling.
The depth chart will be important for Trader to breakout, but after losing its top five receiving targets, Miami will certainly be looking for someone to step up. Miami added veteran CJ Daniels to steady a young group, but Daniels’ presence complements, rather than blocks, Trader’s route to targets. Miami also added All-American Keelan Marion from BYU, but his specialty comes in the form of kick returning. Marion is very talented at the WR position though; last year he logged 24 receptions for 346 yards and one touchdown. It is also worth mentioning that Tony Johnson from Cincinnati comes into town. Last season he had 48 receptions for 449 yards and six touchdowns.
Even with a conservative jump, Trader has a realistic path to become Miami’s next 700-plus-yard receiver and a weekly problem for ACC secondaries.