2026 Receivers Who Found Their Stride Last Fall
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We’ve got 5 pass catchers today who are coming off of a nice fall and set themselves up for big upperclassman seasons. Eli Manship Eli Manship 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Eastern Hancock | 2026 State IN – Eastern…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve got 5 pass catchers today who are coming off of a nice fall and set themselves up for big upperclassman seasons.
Eli Manship Eli Manship 6'0" | 180 lbs | WR Eastern Hancock | 2026 State IN – Eastern Hancock – WR/TE – 6’0″ 175lbs
Manship quietly had one of the better seasons out of any pass catcher from the 2026 class in Indiana last season. He’s versatile and has already proven to be a valuable piece for the offense and a guy they can get the ball to if they need something to happen. He’s played both TE and WR because of his speed, strength, and ability to block but he’s such a good athlete they don’t want to keep him near the line too much. He’s got a fantastic vertical, likely because of his basketball background, but it allows him to go up and over defenders to make the tough catch. I also like that he’s willing to play through contact downfield and understand that defenders are going to try chipping, hitting, and just slowing him down. Also being a higher-volume guy as a sophomore usually speaks volumes about football IQ and with 46 catches, 605 yards, and 3 TDs Manship was valuable as can be. More should be on the horizon for Manship and if he continues to perform, he’ll take off.
Twitter: @EliManship26
Tyler Klaner Tyler Klaner 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Boonville | 2026 State IN – Boonville – ATH – 6’5″ 220lbs
I’m cheating a bit here by putting Klaner in the WR piece, but I’m doing so because he’s such a good pass catcher and there are few and far elite TEs like him to put a piece together. He’s got the rare size and frame. He’s come out and produced at a high level within his first 2 years and worked his way into being a focal point. He’s strong, can block on the end of the line, and be moved out wide. If there’s anyone who has quiet potential to skyrocket towards the top, it’s Klaner. TEs with the size, frame, and production are as rare as anything in football. 6’5″ guys who can bend, catch the ball, have good balance, and block effectively don’t come around very often. When they needed something big and to convert, Boonville looked Klaner’s way. His sophomore season saw Klaner put up 12 catches for 272 yards, and 3 TDs but it’s safe to say that’s just the beginning.
Twitter: @Tyler_Klaner
Carson Ison Carson Ison 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Decatur Central | 2026 State IN – Decatur Central – WR – 5’11” 165lbs
Decatur Central has a plethora of young talent and upcoming players. Ison is another one of those talented players who began to flash and make an impact last year. He’s a lean WR who can cut on a dime. He’s not the most physical WR you’ll come across but he knows his game. He’s able to settle into zones and find the soft spot. He’s also got the speed to take the top of a defense off, but I feel could be best underneath and over the middle. He’s also got soft hands and guides the ball in. He’s always looked great when given his JV opportunity and didn’t fall short on Varsity. While he only had 9 Varsity catches last year, that will go up quite a bit in 2024. The team is loaded with talent and Ison is another quality piece they have to build around and throw to.
Twitter: @IsonCarson
Mason Collins Mason Collins 5'11" | 150 lbs | WR Scottsburg | 2026 State IN – Scottsburg – WR – 5’11” 150lbs
There are quite a few things going on with Collins that I like on the field and off the field. On the field, you have a speedy WR who can put stress on the backend. He’s confident on the field and doesn’t seem to have jitters. He’s able to hold onto the ball through contact and take the hit. While he’s a bit light and can get shoved around from time to time, as he puts on the weight it’ll only help him be more physical down the field and be able to fend off DBs who are playing a bit handsy. With the ability to make the hard cuts and cut on a dime, Collins has the talent to be a fantastic route runner. He’s twitchy and has the speed. As he progresses through his high school career, that could be the area he separates himself. Last season saw Collins catch his first TD from 48 yards out. Getting that first score on the board is big and Collins has checked the box off.
Twitter: @Mason_Collins4
Mason Treesh Mason Treesh 5'10" | 165 lbs | WR East Noble | 2026 State IN – East Noble – WR – 5’10” 165lbs
A small school stud who just had a fantastic year with more to come next fall. He’s got a lengthy build and seems taller than the 5’10” he’s listed at. He’s got blazing speed and knows how to use it. His vision on the field to settle and find the soft spot in the zone is also noticeable. He’s able to win here and there in man coverage, but as he understands coverages more he’ll get open more often. With his speed and ability to create separation, Treesh was a big play hitter last year. He’s the guy who can get behind the defense and take it home for 6. He scored a 78-yard TD this season, so that’s not an exaggeration. He also averaged over 18 yards per catch. Moving the chains and hitting big plays is the name of the position and Treesh has those skills 29 catches for 527 yards and 5 TDs as a sophomore is where Treesh ended up, but it’s safe to say there’s more coming.
Twitter: @Mason_Treesh