2025 Wide Receivers Watchlist

This will be my first report on 2025 players in awhile and to kick it off I wanted to focus on the guys catching many of the footballs that will be spinning across the state this fall.   In today's report we will take a look at some of the top wide receivers in the state, with an emphasis on standouts in the Wichita area. On Friday I will be reporting on "hybrid tight ends" - players who do significantly more than just lining up in tight, and then get into the unusually high volume of stud-level tight ends who are in the 2025 class.   But before we get to the big guys, let's take a look at some the speed burners on the flank, the best of the best when it comes to wide receivers in the sunflower state.   The 2025 Initial Five are highlighted below:   [player_tooltip player_id='442624' first='Bryson' last='Hayes'], 6'0, 185, WR, Maize is getting ready to kick things into overdrive this fall after a junior season when he caught 60 passes for 962 yards and a 16.0 yard average per catch. He is a versatile wideout who seamlessly works out of the slot or split wide. He is a playmaker in the Maize scheme where he gets the ball on bubble screens, jet sweeps and going in motion for quick passes in the flat. His game around the line of scrimmage is excellent, but his specialty and where he really shines is turning on the afterburners to roast defensive backs on the deep ball. He has excellent vertical speed and acceleration and is an effective runner after making the catch. He has a great initial burst and creates separation right off the line of scrimmage. He is one of the top receivers in the state and with young gun junior QB [player_tooltip player_id='780340' first='Eli' last='Ribaudo'], he is going to take it to another level – get out and see this kid play.   [player_tooltip player_id='442660' first='Carter' last='Pabst'], 6'1, 185, WR, Eisenhower, is coming off one of the best junior seasons around as he hauled in 51 passes for just under 900 yards, and averaged over 17 yards a catch. He also added an incredible 19 touchdowns to set a school record in receiving touchdowns. A gifted receiver with good length and athleticism, he works a lot out of the slot where he runs short possession and mid range routes to perfection. He also splits out wide often to create mismatches and burn the opposing defense on the deep ball and vertical sideline passes. He smoothly works the seams and soft spots in zone coverage and catches the ball exceptionally well in traffic. He is also an excellent runner after the catch, even hurdling defenders as needed. Teaming with All-State QB [player_tooltip player_id='676467' first='Derek' last='Morgan'], the Eisenhower offense is getting ready to take off like a rocket this fall. Definitely expect some big numbers from this kid in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='442661' first='Jace' last='Adler'], 6'3, 180, ATH, Andover Central, is coming off an incredible junior year when he was all state on offense, defense and as a return man. He has not been getting the attention he has earned as one of the elite, top-end athletes in the state. On offense he is a major playmaker who can catch, run, throw, block, whatever you need, he can do it. He caught 61 passes for 837 yards and 12 touchdowns and was a highlight reel every time he touched the ball. A long, athletic receiver with excellent football instincts, he lines up all over the field but is particularly deadly split out wide and creating mismatches in the secondary. He has an excellent catch radius and great hands and goes up to the highest point to bring down contested passes. He is definitely a defensive coordinator's worst nightmare and teaming with rising star QB [player_tooltip player_id='1333007' first='Jace' last='Jefferson'], he is going to be electric. They don't get much better than this kid, get your popcorn ready.   [player_tooltip player_id='282256' first='Landen' last='Gatto']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/landen-gatto/"></a> , WR, 6'5, 200, Maize South, is coming off a strong junior campaign when he caught 53 passes for 735 yards and 12 touchdowns. A long, athletic receiver who can work out of the slot, split out wide or wherever they need him. His physical skills enable him to be an exceptional playmaker, but he also runs precise routes and demonstrates excellent receiver mechanics creating separation off the ball. He is a force going up for the heavily-contested catch and is fearless going over the middle. On the long ball, he tracks well, slicing up zone gaps and burning up seams and is deceptively fast. He is a strong runner after the catch and in stretching the play. Playing with one of the top quarterbacks in Kansas, [player_tooltip player_id='282258' first='Tate' last='McNew'], he is getting ready to make some serious noise this fall. Word is getting out that this kid can play – get out and see him in 2024   [player_tooltip player_id='1241335' first='Taylen' last='Pagel'], 6'0, 175, WR, Washburn Rural, is coming off a solid season getting established a year ago. A rising star in the 7v7 circuit, he has been perfecting his game as a receiver who runs excellent possession routes and creates separation early in the play. He has good field vision, can see the soft spots in zone play and has good football instincts for finding seams and openings in the secondary. He is fearless going across the middle and will go up to the apex-point for the ball on contested catches. He has good burst off the line of scrimmage and can get vertical in a hurry on the deep ball. He is getting ready to hook up with up with one of the top junior QB's in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='585907' first='John' last='Hoytal'], so expect some fireworks.   In conclusion, get out and watch these guys or put them on your watchlist to follow this fall. You will not be disappointed. And, as usual, feel free to reach out to me with any comments, questions, or if you have any names of players “flying under the radar”, via DM on X.

This will be my first report on 2025 players in awhile and to kick it off I wanted to focus on the guys catching many of the footballs that will be spinning across the state this fall.