Malik McClain

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Malik McClain
No. 84  New York Jets
PositionWide receiver
Roster statusActive
Personal information
Born (2002-10-08) October 8, 2002
Daphne, Alabama, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High schoolIMG Academy
College
NFL draft2026: undrafted
Career history
Stats at ESPN

Malik Isaac McClain (born October 8, 2002) is an American professional football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils, the Florida State Seminoles and for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Early life

McClain grew up in Daphne, Alabama and attended Daphne High School before transferring to IMG Academy located in Bradenton, Florida for his senior season.[1] Coming out of high school, he was rated as a four-star recruit, the 43rd overall receiver, and 267th overall recruit in the class of 2021, where he held offers from schools such as Alabama, Florida State, Miami, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Penn State. He initially committed to play college football for the Florida State Seminoles, before de-committing, before eventually re-committing and signing to play for the Seminoles.[2][3]

College career

Florida State

In week seven of the 2021 season, he hauled in his first career touchdown reception in a win over North Carolina.[4] McClain finished his freshman season in 2021, appearing in 12 games with nine starts, recording 16 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns.[5] In the 2022 season, he logged just three starts, notching 17 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns, where after the conclusion of the season, he decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[6]

Penn State

McClain transferred to play for the Penn State Nittany Lions.[7] During the 2023 season, he played in all 13 games, finishing with six catches for 71 yards and one touchdown, where after the conclusion of the year, he once again entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[8]

Arizona State

McClain transferred to play for the Arizona State Sun Devils.[9] In the 2024 Big 12 Championship Game, he hauled in a 43 yard reception in a victory over Iowa State.[10] In the 2025 Peach Bowl, McClain notched a 42 yard touchdown reception on a trick play thrown by running back Cam Skattebo, in a 39-31 loss to Texas.[11] He decided to use the 2024 season to redshirt, after arriving to Arizona State late in the summer.[12]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand spanWingspan40-yard dash10-yard split20-yard split20-yard shuttleThree-cone drillVertical jumpBroad jumpBench press
6 ft 4+14 in
(1.94 m)
205 lb
(93 kg)
34 in
(0.86 m)
8+34 in
(0.22 m)
6 ft 8+18 in
(2.04 m)
4.47 s1.54 s2.61 s4.18 s6.78 s40.0 in
(1.02 m)
11 ft 4 in
(3.45 m)
17 reps
All values from Pro Day[13]

On May 8, 2026, McClain signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.[14]

References

  1. "Malik McClain, Daphne, Wide Receiver". 247Sports. April 13, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  2. Weiler, Curt (December 7, 2020). "2021 four-star wide receiver Malik McClain decommits from FSU". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  3. Weiler, Curt (December 18, 2020). "Four-star wide receiver Malik McClain recommits, signs with Florida State football". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  4. Weiler, Curt (October 19, 2021). "Notebook: Florida State freshman Malik McClain embracing all aspects of wide receiver role". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  5. Karels, Carter (June 30, 2022). "Florida State football's Malik McClain may bring highest long-term upside among WR group". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  6. Karels, Carter (January 11, 2023). "Florida State football: Seminoles lose wide receiver Malik McClain to NCAA transfer portal". Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  7. Snyder, Audrey (January 18, 2023). "Penn State adds WR Malik McClain, Florida State transfer, to portal haul". The Athletic. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  8. Kosko, Nick (May 2, 2024). "Penn State WR Malik McClain enters NCAA transfer portal". On3.com. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  9. Stanley, Logan (August 30, 2024). "Arizona State transfer WR Malik McClain ready to make his mark in third stop". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  10. Stanley, Logan (April 24, 2025). "Arizona State football wide receiver Malik McClain eager to step up after redshirt season". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  11. Ralph, Max (January 2025). "Ex-Penn State wide receiver scores wacky touchdown for Arizona State in thrilling CFP game vs. Texas". PennLive.com. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  12. Vinton, Jeff (October 7, 2024). "Malik McClain, who transferred to ASU in May, will redshirt, return to team in 2025". 12News. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  13. "Malik McClain College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  14. Bell, Jack; Pullano, John. "Jets Sign 12 Undrafted Free Agents". NewYorkJets.com. Retrieved May 10, 2026.