PrepRedzoneIL 2026 Rankings Coverage: WR Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final feature is here. Thanks for reading along with <em>PRzIL </em>as we've introduced and covered the next wave of high-powered prospects on the Illinois high school football scene, we hope you've enjoyed reading about them as we have had evaluating them. As previously mentioned throughout the four informational features, it's a very promising class, especially amongst the already named Top 60 Big Board, and between the standout offensive and defensive contributors, there is a particularly talented batch of pass-catching wide receivers in the Illinois 2026s. The wideouts already possess size, speed, and athleticism, and with a long and distinguished history of WRs coming out of the Land of Lincoln, I'm confident that Illinois will continue to be a must-stop for college programs recruiting offensive weapons out of the Midwest. We've already broken down the Top 20 in-depth, so let's take a look at the remaining 14 freshmen wideouts comprising the rest of the introductory rankings. After this finishes up, <em>PRzIL </em>will have covered just about every athlete on the rankings and watchlist from this 2026 class. No one is more comprehensive or detailed than us. Let's get to it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["802439"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kicking things off is 6'1, 180 lb. u003cemu003eWashington Communityu003c/emu003e rising sophomoreu003cstrongu003e Adrian u0022AJu0022 Jonesu003c/strongu003e, who ranks as our #21 overall prospect and #5 rated WR in the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings. Jones has been tearing it up with Midwest Boom on the offseason 7v7 circuit and trains with QB/WR Coach Rob Garcia at 4VertAcademy in Central Illinois. A varsity starter in 2022 who mixed reps between varsity and non-varsity last fall, u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e used his size to his advantage as both a WR and DB, showing off a smooth gait, long strides that aid his good speed for his age, and physicality as a ball carrier who has no problems lowering his pads and bringing the boom to would-be tacklers. He made some clutch receptions and carries on varsity with the u003cemu003ePanthersu003c/emu003e out of the slot or as the Z and was trusted by his coaches to pick up pressure-filled third-down conversions. I also like his vision when the rock was in-hand, tentative route running skills for a young buck, and defensively, u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e also laid some big hits as a CB. I'd be surprised if is anything but a full-time varsity contributor this upcoming fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["401629"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cemu003eSt. Ritau003c/emu003e continues a trend of playmaking offensive weapons into their 2026 class with 5'9, 155 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401629' first='Walter' last='Jones']u003c/strongu003e. Another Southside Wolfpack alum with a strong career in the middle school ranks, Jones continued the momentum into his freshman high school season, operating out of the slot and showing off some highlight-reel ability when the ball is in the air and after the catch. In the second play of his Hudl, it looks like he literally broke a defender's ankles with a swift cut in the open field, and u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e also possesses game-breaking speed that can take advantage of only slight miscues in defensive pursuit and leverage angles and is confident and fearless when the ball is in the air and up for grabs. You can tell the non-varsity squads of the u003cemu003eMustangsu003c/emu003e took every opportunity to get the ball into his hands, and u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e made the most of it, popping off big plays in what should have been routine gains downfield. Tough, quick, fast, athletic, u003cstrongu003eJonesu003c/strongu003e showed it all as a freshman and we're pumped to see how he continues to move up and develop to higher levels of competition.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["212314"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cemu003eMt. Zionu003c/emu003e has one of the best freshman classes at the top end of any program in the state of Illinois, and 6'1, 175 lb. In addition to his great size, WR [player_tooltip player_id='212314' first='Jacob' last='Harvey'] had one of the best freshman campaigns of any player ranked on the initial u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 Big Board, regardless of position. As a freshman WR playing varsity with the u003cemu003eBravesu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eHarveyu003c/strongu003e posted 37 receptions for 359 yards and 3 TDs, and in his highlight tape, he showed off great ball skills, concentration, and strong hands that reel in catches through contact and tight coverage. u003cstrongu003eHarveyu003c/strongu003e found success from multiple receiver spots, solid burst, and the speed to pull away from DBs when the ball was in the air. He was also confident in the open field and in 1-on-1 situations and used that big body to his advantage when the ball was in the air. Tight coverage or an aggressive DB doesn't mean anything to the rising sophomore, when the ball was in the air he's going to go get it. He's going to build on that production big-time next fall, and boy oh boy is u003cemu003eMt. Zion'su003c/emu003e WR/TE room STACKED for the fall.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["801703"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Another big-bodied pass catcher high up on the introductory u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings, u003cemu003eBradley-Bourbonnaisu003c/emu003e 2026er u003cstrongu003eLiamu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eMartinu003c/strongu003e clocks in as the #31 overall ranked prospect and #8 ranked WR as a 6'3, 195 lb. rising sophomore. Also a stud baseball player who runs with Chicago Elite's 15U squad and a JV hooper with the u003cemu003eBoilermakersu003c/emu003e this winter, u003cstrongu003eMartinu003c/strongu003e was a big play wideout from the X position, showing off solid speed for his size, ability to high point the football well, and long arms/soft hands that he extends and uses to pluck the ball out of the air with DBs right on his butt. He's also got a little bit of juice after the catch and the ability to drop his hips and change direction well for a big guy running routes. Already a major red zone and goalline threat, u003cstrongu003eMartinu003c/strongu003e could see TE in his future if he continues to grow, but the coordination and movement skills are already shining through as a bigger WR at his age. The u003cemu003eBoilermakersu003c/emu003e are another squad with a promising 2026 class at the top end!","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["319342"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Coming out of New Lenox and big-school heavyweight u003cemu003eLincoln Way-Westu003c/emu003e, 6'1, 160 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='319342' first='Chase' last='Markowicz']u003c/strongu003e runs with the Supreme 7v7 national team and also plays lacrosse while holding a 3.8 GPA. Productive both out of the slot and on the perimeter, u003cstrongu003eMarkowiczu003c/strongu003e was fantastic at winning 1-on-1, 50/50 contested balls and possessed the balance to reel in the catch and then land on his feet, where he finished the plays for TDs. Also displays solid speed and burst, can cut his routes off cleanly, and has some of the softest hands in the class. Speaking of best in the class, u003cstrongu003eMarkowicz'su003c/strongu003e ability to high-point and win contested catches is up there with any and all wideouts from the 2026s. He laid a more-than-solid foundation going into his sophomore season and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e is excited to see how he's grown and developed with a year of high school under his belt.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["401603"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Yet another big-bodied pass catcher, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401603' first='Devin' last='Hamilton']u003c/strongu003e reps CCL powerhouse u003cemu003eMaristu003c/emu003e and is the biggest and some would say baddest WR in the early crop of 2026 pass catchers. Running in the non-varsity ranks with the u003cemu003eRedhawksu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eHamiltonu003c/strongu003e possesses great length, long strides, and some eye-popping vertical ability that helps him leap and float through the air to high-point footballs and come down with athletic catches. He was a beast of an X receiver that could outpace DBs as well as defenders on special teams when he gets to open up those long strides, and I like his big catch radius and balance to boot. The athleticism/size/age combination is very exciting, and with the coaching and development that goes on at the Southside CCL heavyweight, I know for a fact that u003cemu003eMarist'su003c/emu003e coaching staff will get the most out of his budding and impressive talent. u003cstrongu003eHamiltonu003c/strongu003e has a very strong chance of climbing high up these rankings come the next update and his skillset is one of the most promising in the class of 2026ers.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["401614"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cemu003eSt. Charles North'su003c/emu003e 2026 class has a lively and soon-to-be deadly passing attack with [player_tooltip player_id='401623' first='Matthew' last='Plumb'] and the now-mentioned u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401614' first='Keaton' last='Reinke']u003c/strongu003e. Another 2026 WR already possessing strong size, u003cstrongu003eReinkeu003c/strongu003e measures in at 6'2, 190 lbs. and clocks in as the #34 overall freshman and #11 ranked wideout in the inaugural u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings. Also a standout outfielder and RHP on u003cemu003eSCN'su003c/emu003e varsity baseball team who just hit a walk-off RBI single to beat crosstown rival u003cemu003eSt. Charles Eastu003c/emu003e in exciting 2-1 fashion, u003cstrongu003eReinkeu003c/strongu003e stays busy and has also helped Midwest Boom win hardware on the offseason 7v7 circuit. Last fall on the gridiron, u003cstrongu003eReinkeu003c/strongu003e generally played with the sophomore and JV squads of the u003cemu003eNorth Starsu003c/emu003e but did earn varsity reps on the u003cemu003eSCNu003c/emu003e playoff run deep into the fall. He showed off tons of length, with a ton of room to continue to grow and fill out, and those long legs helped him stay upright through tackle attempts at his lower body, as well as land on his feet and continue forward for big plays after high pointing and snagging the ball beautifully out of the air. u003cstrongu003eReinkeu003c/strongu003e was a big play machine from the X or as an in-line TE, and has good body control that allows him to operate with a large catch radius and generally stay on his feet through contact. Physical blocker as well. The future is very bright for u003cstrongu003eReinkeu003c/strongu003e in both football and baseball.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["474760"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"One of a plethora of u003cemu003eNazareth Academyu003c/emu003e rising sophomores to make the inaugural u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings big board u0026amp; watchlist, 6'2, 155 lb. WRu003cstrongu003e [player_tooltip player_id='474760' first='Spencer' last='Martin']u003c/strongu003e had a strong campaign with the non-varsity u003cemu003eRoadrunnersu003c/emu003e and is looking to build on it this upcoming fall. Good ball tracking skills and concentration, quick after the catch, and more than willing to go over the middle to make tough catches through traffic, u003cstrongu003eMartinu003c/strongu003e was successful and productive running a variety of different routes and was also a strong and physical blocker out on the perimeter of the u003cemu003eRoadrunner'su003c/emu003e offense. With strong, soft hands as well, u003cstrongu003eMartinu003c/strongu003e can be counted on to move the chains and create big plays when his offense needs it. He's a good athlete and u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e can't help but salivate at the thought of u003cemu003eNaz'su003c/emu003e 2026 class with a couple more seasons of Illinois prep football action under their belts.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["212316"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Another Supreme 7v7 standout, 5'11, 175 lb. u003cemu003eMacArthur High Schoolu003c/emu003e WR u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='212316' first='Jamor' last='Singleton']u003c/strongu003e represents Central Illinois and represents it well, earning a ton of varsity reps as a freshman and bringing an athletic and clutch skillset to the table as a young buck. Operating out of the slot, u003cstrongu003eSingletonu003c/strongu003e is twitchy at the top of the route and after the catch, does a great job of adjusting and finding space when a play breaks down and his QB is scrambling, and shows off strong hands and a big catch radius, especially for a 5'11 pass catcher. He made some big-time receptions in his first year of high school ball and is a player I can without a doubt see climbing significantly up the rankings come the next update. u003cemu003eMacArthuru003c/emu003e has a good one on their hands!","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["503550"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Oswego product u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='503550' first='Teddy' last='Manikas']u003c/strongu003e was a big part of a decorated Pop Warner middle school squad that won a natty in 2021 and went on to u003cemu003eOswego High Schoolu003c/emu003e to put together a strong freshman season that resulted in him earning the #43 overall and WR14 spot in the loaded u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 Big Board. As a freshman wideout, u003cstrongu003eManikasu003c/strongu003e was lightning in a bottle and brought a ton of speed to the table offensively and on special teams. Super dangerous in space, the 5'10, 165 lber. also showed standout concentration that helped him complete tough receptions through a ton of traffic, quickness, and physicality after the catch, and a willingness to help out as a blocker. More than anything, u003cstrongu003eManikasu003c/strongu003e has speed, speed, and more speed, and his solid 100M track times as an 8th grader reflect the pace you see on film. He earned varsity reps as a kick returner last year and his offensive and special teams role is only going to grow as a sophomore and eventual upperclassman. The kid can fly! Don't blink.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["283929"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Owning a magnificent first name, u003cemu003eDowners Grove Northu003c/emu003e WR u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='283929' first='Oliver' last='Thulin']u003c/strongu003e shares a common trait with many of the standout WRs in the 2026 u003cemu003ePRzIL u003c/emu003erankings Big Board and doubles as a promising and talent baseball player u0026amp; young prospect. As a WR, the 5'10, 155 lber. lined up at multiple WR positions and put in work all over the field while showing off an impressive ability to reel in tough catches through traffic and tight coverage, particularly in the MOF and up the seam. I also like the noticeable burst he shows off when the ball is in his hand, speed when going vertical, and contact balance for his size. u003cstrongu003eThulinu003c/strongu003e has some reps where he eats and absorbs big hits and stays on his feet in tough u0026amp; impressive fashion. Both the city of Downers Grove and its high schools are packed with offensive firepower in their 2026 class. Get on them early!","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["801707"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"It's a great time to be a u003cemu003eGeneva Vikingu003c/emu003e! With recruiting firepower up the wazoo going into the fall of 2023, the rising sophomore class is going to greatly benefit from its forefathers accomplishments, not that 5'10, 155 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='801707' first='Dylan' last='Reyes']u003c/strongu003e needs it. A varsity wideout last fall, u003cstrongu003eReyes u003c/strongu003eposted 19 receptions for 189 yards and displayed some skill as a route runner who is clean and quick out of his breaks and at the top of the route who can create separation when breaking off his routes. Also reels in catches that are away from his body well, and does a good job of working back to the football and is a natural at finding space and helping his QB out when he's scrambling and/or outside of the pocket. Those are some very transferrable skills that will aid u003cstrongu003eReyesu003c/strongu003e well against high quality DBs in the Land of Lincoln. I'll say it again, it's a great time to be a u003cemu003eGeneva Vikingu003c/emu003e!","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["401612"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"6' u003cemu003eBrother Riceu003c/emu003e WR u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='401612' first='Jovan' last='Green']u003c/strongu003e, along with his twin brother and u003cemu003eCrusaderu003c/emu003e RB [player_tooltip player_id='401611' first='Jaylin' last='Green'], helped the u003cemu003eBRu003c/emu003e freshman squad to an 8-1 record last fall and took the reigns of the offense in impressive fashion. u003cstrongu003eJovanu003c/strongu003e, with his solid and still-growing size, brings a physical edge to the WR position and is a beast after the catch with contact balance and a mean stiff-arm that gave would-be tacklers fits last fall. u003cstrongu003eGreenu003c/strongu003e also shows off solid speed, can break off his routes cleanly and create separation at multiple points throughout the route, tracks the ball well when it's in the air, and possesses strong hands that can catch the ball in traffic. He's one of the most physical wideouts on this talent-ridden list and holds the title of least-fun-to-tackle WR in this initial u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 Big Board. Keep an eye out for the u003cstrongu003eGreenu003c/strongu003e boys going forward!rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["292900"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"u003cemu003eOak Park-River Forestu003c/emu003e freshman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='292900' first='Jeremiah' last='Jenkins']u003c/strongu003e rounds out the u003cemu003ePRzILu003c/emu003e 2026 WR rankings and comes in at #50 overall and as WR18 in this stacked initial Big Board. The 5'9, 160 lber. is also a promising track competitor and uses that speed well on the gridiron, where his strengths lie in his top end speed, twitch after the catch, and ability to pack a punch at the point of attack, which also serves him well defensively as a CB. u003cstrongu003eJenkinsu003c/strongu003e has noticeable acceleration out of his stance and once the ball gets in his hands, and he's as tough and competitive as anyone on this list and is more than willing to go over the middle and reel in catches through oncoming contact from safeties and LBs. However, he's generally the hammer as opposed to the nail, and u003cstrongu003eJenkinsu003c/strongu003e was a consistent and big-time playmaker on the non-varsity ranks of the u003cemu003eHuskiesu003c/emu003e. What a strong and talented way to round out the loaded WR rankings from the Illinois 2026 class. This dude can play!","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":14,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6459ab328105e"} /-->