Seven 2026 Wide Receivers Flying Under the Radar

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, I'm back in the Land of Lincoln looking at some talented pass catchers that are flying under the radar. They range from big school standouts to small school hidden gems, but they all have one thing in common: they can ball. I will be keeping an eye on these prospects this fall, as their junior season will be pivotal in the future of their recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Keyontae Hamilton, 5'9" 140, Bloomington</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A shifty slot with outstanding separation burst at the top of his route and in-depth route-running ability. He's patient with the ball in his hands and shows impressive vision to spot small cutback lanes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1669549' first='Kortez' last='Rupert'], 6'1" 155, O'Fallon</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rupert has the foot quickness to defeat press, the speed to run right past nosey defensive backs, and can track down deep shot throws downfield. He shows excellent concentration &amp; hands through contested scenarios and can work back to the football mid-flight to make his quarterback right.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Blake Lehnen, 5'9" 165, Glenwood</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major mismatch on linebackers working out of the slot, Blake is greasy after the catch and one tough guy to bring down in space. He's quicker than he is fast, he doesn't flinch going over the middle and is highly productive working all three levels of the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1585307' first='Kole' last='Fager'], 6'1" 185, Palatine</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kole is a reliable hands catcher with awareness, high effort as a perimeter blocker, and is a ruthless runner with plenty of grit. Kole is slow to a seam and fast through it and has the strength to muscle through arm tackle attempts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Sheko Gjokaj, 5'10" 170, St. Charles East</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This young man has excellent hand-eye coordination and is as sure-handed as they come. He shows outstanding stop &amp; start with the ball in his hands and can generate serious chunk yardage after the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='801879' first='Maurice' last='Garrett'] 6' 190, Hillcrest</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An outside receiver prospect with a good build, a strong lower half, and the ability to make tough catches on 50/50 balls. Maurice consistently caps off runs falling forward and shows great reaction skills on tight contested window throws. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='401607' first='Hunter' last='Niklos'] 6'1" 180, Yorkville</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A former small school star who has moved on to Yorkville and should make an immediate impact. Hunter shows instant acceleration after the catch, he can easily navigate through 2nd level traffic and does a good job shooting his hands late to not allow a defender to make a play on the football. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->