Early Preview of the 2026 Class: Underrated Wide Receivers

With the 2024 season behind us, we would like to preview some underrated offensive players in the state's 2026 graduating class. These players have not received the full credit they deserve for the fantastic seasons that they had this previous year and should be considered top prospects in the state for the next season. We will now look at some of the most underrated wide receivers set to return next season.    2026 Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1177576' first='Trey' last='Peck'] is one of the most electrifying and speediest wide receivers in the state. He finished out his junior season with 37 catches for 623 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs, and a Punt Return TD. The way he can accelerate in space is astonishing, hitting top speed in the blink of an eye. His long speed is next-level stuff, as he is lightning quick and almost unstoppable to catch in space. He is versatile as well, able to play out wide, in the slot, and on special teams as a returner. Peck is ready to put himself on the map and blaze his way to the top as one of the state's fastest receivers.      2026 Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='992814' first='Jude' last='Stevens'] is one of the state's best slot receivers. This previous season, he had 20 receptions for 351 receiving yards and 3 receiving TDs. He really came into his own in the second half of the season, with his last 5 games having 13 catches and 230 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs. His catch radius is impressive, as he can pluck balls out of the air while running down the seam in traffic. He runs effective routes from the slot, with good change of direction and crisp cuts. Once he has the ball, he can turn upfield and get some serious yardage with solid speed. Stevens will definitely be a nice option to be featured out of the slot for this Corona offense next season.      2026 Wide Receiver Jayden Thomas had one of the most phenomenal seasons in all of the state. He had 47 catches for 1,053 yards and 16 receiving TDs. He is an excellent receiver, especially when it comes to tracking the ball in the air and running under it for the catch deep down the field. He has good agility and acceleration, allowing him to outpace defenders as he takes it to the house. His footwork and toe-tapping ability along the sideline are impeccable, showcasing nice balance and catch radius to bring in these plays consistently. After a true breakout season in his junior year, it will be exciting to see how Thomas takes his game to the next level in his senior season.      A two-way star for this Glendale Prep team, but someone who really has an aptitude for the receiver position is none other than 2026 Athlete Dylan Lincoln. Finishing off last season with 48 catches for 878 receiving yards and 13 receiving TDs at just the receiver position was terrific. He also had 55 total tackles, 32 of those as solo tackles, and 5 INTs at the safety position. His ball skills are magnificent, which translates to both positions, as he is great about high-pointing and snagging the ball out of the air. His yard after catch ability is tremendous, as he can juke and shake defenders with superb change of direction and lateral quickness. He runs sharp routes, especially in the slot, which allows him always to be a reliable target for the quarterback. A true athlete for Glendale Prep, keep your eyes out for Lincoln to really soar this next season as a receiver.      2026 Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1682322' first='Ashton' last='Sanchez'] was one of the premier weapons on this state title-contending team of Arizona College Prep. He was able to reel in 39 catches for 796 receiving yards and 11 receiving TDs, which led his team in every stat. He is a huge fan of double moves, such as corner post routes or fake block-and-go routes. He executes them with precise route running and remarkable burst to create tons of separation downfield. He has a extensive catch radius and nice leaping ability that makes it easy for QBs to throw the ball downfield for completions. He has sound long speed and acceleration, allowing him to hold separation against defenders as he takes it in for the score. Sanchez was a consistent weapon in both his sophomore and junior years, but look out for Sanchez to take his game to a whole other level in his final season.      2026 Wide Receiver Joseph Watts-Diver is an incredibly dynamic player with the ball in his hands. He managed to have 24 catches for 575 receiving yards and 6 receiving TDs as well as a Kickoff return TD as a returner through his first varsity season. His outstanding agility allows him to move fluidly in all different directions, dodging and breaking away from defenders. Once he has open grass, he is hard to catch as he has top-end speed when he is dashing to the endzone. For his size, he also has some solid contact balance to take hits and good body control to grab balls out of the air. Watts-Diver's senior year will definitely be a must watch for this Valley Vista team.

With the 2024 season behind us, we would like to preview some underrated offensive players in the state's 2026 graduating class. These players have not received the full credit they deserve for the fantastic seasons that they had this previous year and should be considered top prospects in the state for the next season. We will now look at some of the most underrated wide receivers set to return next season.