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Ricky Pearsall’s confidence fueling his rise as 49ers’ top target

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender09/22/25Corey_Bender

Former Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is quickly turning into the San Francisco 49ers’ go-to option. On Sunday, he put together his best performance of the season, finishing with eight catches for 117 yards in a 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

It marked the third straight week Pearsall surpassed 55 yards, building off his 108-yard performance in Week 1 and 56 yards in Week 2. The 49ers’ 2024 first-round pick is showing why the team drafted him so high, proving to be the most reliable weapon in an offense that has battled injuries.

Ricky Pearsall’s game-changing catch

Pearsall’s biggest moment came in the fourth quarter. Facing a 4th and 2 at the Cardinals’ 40-yard line, he broke free downfield and hauled in a 34-yard pass from Mac Jones. The play set up San Francisco’s go-ahead touchdown, sparking the comeback that led to Eddy Pineiro nailing a last-second field goal.

“I was just trying to read it over my shoulder,” Pearsall said of the highlight grab. “When you play day games, sometimes the sun gets in your eyes. I couldn’t really see the ball until it got really close to me. As it got close, I just turned my hands that way and I ended up making the catch.”

Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised both Pearsall and Jones for delivering in a clutch spot.

“It was a big-time throw, big-time catch,” Shanahan said. “This is how Ricky’s been for a while. He hasn’t disappointed us at all. He stepped it up big.”

Confidence on full display

The second-year wideout said he always believed the 49ers would pull out the win. His trust in Jones and the offense has only grown with every rep.

“I always think that we’re going to win,” Pearsall said. “When we got the ball and we got two minutes left and we’re driving down the field, I have all the confidence in the world in Mac and the entire offense to go down there and win the game for us. It really shows what kind of team we have.”

Pearsall also credited his growing confidence to more playing time and a full offseason of work.

“I’m building more and more confidence the more I’m playing, the more I’m practicing and getting reps in the offense. I am very confident,” Pearsall said. “I’m super blessed and happy to be in this situation, especially considering what I had to go through last year. There’s a lot to be thankful for.”

Mac Jones isn’t surprised by Pearsall’s results

For Jones, Pearsall is more than just a target; he’s a player he’s watched closely since his time in Gainesville.

“I’m like a secret fan of him always, because I just enjoyed his (college) tape,” Jones said. “He’s really twitchy, and then has straight line speed, and then his cuts in and out. His cut speed is really, really good, probably the best I’ve seen. And he just does a good job on those in breakers and outbreakers too.”

The chemistry between the two has been clear through three weeks. If Sunday was any sign, Ricky Pearsall is well on his way to becoming the 49ers’ No. 1 receiver.

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