2026 Rankings Update: A Closer Look at WR

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">new set of rankings</a> for the Class of 2026 dropped on Thursday. We published <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/look-inside-process-of-compiling-26-update/">an overview</a> on how the update came together for more context and insight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday, we dove into positional ratings with a slick, interactive breakout chart from Prep Network designers. It provides a view of all the guys ranked at each spot. Click on a player's name and it takes you to his profile. Pretty slick. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The wide receiver group is topped by West Des Moines Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='283945' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], the 10th overall prospect in the class. Plenty of prime-time performers follow him in the update. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reports on Stock Risers and New Additions appear below the chart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2410","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66bfe2ed10934"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>STOCK RISERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850243' first='Brayton' last='Alford'], 6-0, 200, Kuemper Catholic</strong>: Alford checks in as the No. 3 receiver and the 16th-ranked player overall in the update. He's enjoyed an encouraging offseason on the recruiting trail, receiving camp invites from Iowa, Iowa State, Rutgers, Kansas State, Houston and others. Alford got his feet wet on the Carroll varsity as a sophomore before transferring to Kuemper. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18335791/63b763e70661400bb8d6c56b">His sophomore highlight video</a> shows a dynamic offensive player capable of breaking a big one no matter where he lines up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1221956' first='Dawson' last='Kreykes'], 6-2, 185, Sibley-Ocheyedan</strong>: Like Alford, Kreykes took a step forward this offseason with campus visits to Iowa State, and prospect camp invites from South Dakota State, Pennsylvania and multiple mega events. That came after a sophomore season in which he led the Generals in receptions (27), receiving yards (478) and touchdown catches (5). He illustrates how he racked up the numbers during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17991136/655acaa7f561210bb4bbc2dd">sophomore highlight video</a>. He's a well-rounded receiver and also runs track. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238633' first='Torian' last='Doss'], 6-2, 185, Waterloo West: </strong>Doss moved into the Top 6 at his position and the Top 50 overall in the cycle. When we check out his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17845074/653732384ba8060a34019b9d">sophomore highlight video</a>, we witness him blocking in the first clip. Hang it in the Louvre. Receivers willing to do whatever it takes for team success bring unique value. On the second clip, he catches a short hitch before outracing everybody for a more than 50 yards. It's an attractive package of size and speed that likely keeps him rising in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1241378' first='Tino' last='Daye Jr']., 6-1, 170, Johnston</strong>: Daye Jr. is another guy with an up arrow next to his name as he begins opening his mind to playing football in college. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16607696/6617f350d5197e8966f64cee">Basketball programs</a> like him, too, with an offer from D-II Western New Mexico University in hand. How he develops during the next two years in those sports will be interesting. Kansas State, South Dakota State, North Dakota and others invited him to football camps this summer. He can <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16607696/652b2e01a018a10b34d4bfcc">get deep and adjust</a> to the ball in the air. He's a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16607696/654bf4052ab0e705fca90524">red-zone weapon</a>, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>NEW ADDITIONS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1370590' first='Kolby' last='Heemskerk'], 5-10, 160, Western Christian</strong>: Heemskerk enters the rankings with a good chance at upward mobility from there. He has individual game highlights posted on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17986631/Kolby-Heemskerk/highlights">Hudl page</a>. In them we see an advanced pass-catcher for only being a sophomore. He gets into and out his routes smoothly with the speed to outrun defenders. He can streak down the sideline, beat opponents over the middle or do damage in the red zone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360433' first='Anderson' last='Holtz'], 5-9, 160, Maquoketa Valley</strong>: Another newcomer to the rankings, Holtz shares a glimpse into his abilities through individual game videos on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17833247/Anderson-Holtz/highlights">Hudl page</a>. We find out how he managed to rank second on the squad in receptions as only a sophomore. He's already technical sound and runs precise routes, doing a nice job settling into the holes of the defense. He has a knack for securing the ball in traffic, showing reliable hands and excellent concentration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PREVIOUS POSITION BREAKDOWNS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-o-linemen/">Offensive Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/2026-rankings-update-a-closer-look-at-the-secondary/">Defensive Back</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->