Future Playmakers: 2026 WRs to Keep an Eye On

The 2026 class in Alabama is already showing a lot of promise, particularly at the wide receiver position. While these athletes are still early in their high school careers, their talent and potential have caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike. From game-changing speed to exceptional route running, these young receivers are poised to become the next big playmakers in the state. In this scouting report, we'll highlight some of the most impressive 2026 wide receivers who are already making a name for themselves on the field and are sure to be on the radar of college programs in the coming years. Keep an eye on these future stars as they continue to develop their skills and showcase their potential.    [player_tooltip player_id='1408975' first='Brody' last='Jones'] is a dynamic wide receiver with an impressive combination of speed and agility. His ability to create separation from defenders makes him a reliable deep threat on the field. Jones demonstrates strong hands and consistently pulls in contested catches, showing poise under pressure. His route-running is advanced for his age, and he's already shown great potential in reading defenses and finding gaps in coverage. As he continues to develop physically, Jones could emerge as one of Alabama's top playmakers in the 2026 class.     Christopher Lawrence is a tall, athletic wide receiver who excels at using his size to outmatch defenders in one-on-one situations. His height and wingspan make him a dangerous red-zone target, and he shows natural ball-tracking ability when making plays downfield. Lawrence's strong work ethic is evident in his improving footwork and route precision, which will only enhance his game as he progresses. He also showcases a physical style of play, often fighting through contact for extra yards. With continued growth, Lawrence has the potential to be a major force in the receiving game.     Elijah Bates is a quick, explosive receiver who thrives in open space. His acceleration off the line of scrimmage allows him to gain immediate leverage on defenders, making him a consistent option for short, quick passes that turn into big gains. Bates shows excellent field awareness and the ability to make defenders miss with his sharp cuts and elusive movements. His versatility allows him to line up in multiple spots, making him a valuable asset in any offensive scheme. With his natural playmaking ability, Bates is a name to watch in the coming years.     Brayden Byers is a smooth and polished wide receiver with excellent hands and body control. His route-running is already advanced for his age, as he demonstrates precision and timing in his cuts. Byers excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and shows an instinctive understanding of the game. His ability to make tough catches in traffic is notable, as is his focus when bringing the ball in. As he continues to grow and develop physically, Byers could become a reliable possession receiver with big-play potential.     Fisher Southall brings a unique blend of athleticism and football IQ to the wide receiver position. He's quick off the line and has a knack for reading defenders, making him a dangerous route-runner. Southall's ability to adjust to the ball in the air and make difficult catches in stride sets him apart from other receivers in his class. He's also shown strong leadership qualities on and off the field, which will be critical to his development. With his combination of talent and maturity, Southall has a bright future ahead of him.     [player_tooltip player_id='212198' first='Jamari' last='Burnett'] is an explosive receiver with elite speed and a natural ability to make plays in the open field. His acceleration is off the charts, allowing him to blow by defenders and turn routine catches into long touchdowns. Burnett has shown flashes of brilliance in his ability to track the ball over his shoulder, making him a reliable deep threat. He's also demonstrated impressive balance and agility, making him difficult to bring down after the catch. As he continues to refine his technique, Burnett has the potential to be a game-breaking receiver in the 2026 class.

The 2026 class in Alabama is already showing a lot of promise, particularly at the wide receiver position. While these athletes are still early in their high school careers, their talent and potential have caught the attention of coaches and scouts alike. From game-changing speed to exceptional route running, these young receivers are poised to become the next big playmakers in the state. In this scouting report, we'll highlight some of the most impressive 2026 wide receivers who are already making a name for themselves on the field and are sure to be on the radar of college programs in the coming years. Keep an eye on these future stars as they continue to develop their skills and showcase their potential.