Scouting The Class: #TN2026 Wide Receivers

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuing our series at breaking down each position from the #TN2026 recruiting class, here we look at the receivers. It's a talented group that looks to be top heavy but has some depth that could become deeper with continued development. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quality Talent At The Top </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Over the past decade, the state of Tennessee has supplied a good amount of receiver talent to the college ranks but the #TN2026 class may sit with the most guys prepared and ready to take their abilities to the D1 level and excel early in their careers. Plenty of development must be done but right now, I like how this group looks and their potential to become standout college pass catchers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who is the top receiver prospect coming out of our rising senior class? That could all be about someone's perspective as I feel we have several guys that could be considered the best but I feel the top options right now are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284149' first='Tyreek' last='King'] </strong>from Knox. Catholic, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='986024' first='Keeyshawn' last='Tabuteau'] </strong>out of McCallie, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281472' first='Joel' last='Wyatt'] </strong>from The Webb School and CPA wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='824736' first='Owen' last='Cabell']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Those four have a bevy of Power Four offers and all bring different traits to the playing field that translate well to the collegiate gridiron. King, who is committed currently to Tennessee, is the most explosive receiver we have in this class and someone I feel has another level to his game once he enhances his route tree.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Potentially the best slot receiver in this class could be Tabuteau. A natural athlete with big time speed, this Chattanooga area prospect became his team's go-to target last Fall where Tabuteau was a major piece behind McCallie's run after the D2-Class AAA state title.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wyatt and Cabell are two bigger wideouts that fit playing outside as they bring nice size, length and speed to become game changers on the college playing field. Both guys are being hotly pursued by Power Four programs and could continue to rake in offers over the next three months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just beyond those four are a large group of receivers that are Power Four able or at least bonafide D1 guys that could soon see their stock increase. One guy that's on the verge of breaking through is Lipscomb Academy pass catcher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1170988' first='Cam' last='Blivens']</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1539909,"width":"380px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/cblivens2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1539909" style="width:380px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs rising senior is generating a lot of interest at the moment and while he has yet to receive the Power Four offers, I feel like Blivens is on the verge of doing so and that's because of his natural athletic abilities and upside for the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Germantown slot receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1113841' first='Tre'von' last='McGory'] </strong>holds a large list of offers at the moment with a few of them coming from Power Four programs. This guy is one of the more explosive receivers we have in the #TN2026 class that has already set an official visit with Mississippi St. and could be increasing his interest after the spring evaluation period.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye on Oak Ridge receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='331829' first='Will' last='Pressley'] </strong>over these off-season months as he is a player that already has several D1 offers but could be on the verge of breaking through into Power Four status. This East Tennessee talent has the size, speed combo that college coaches like along with the ability to make tough catches. He is also a prospect that I feel has yet to tap into his full capabilities, so watch out for Pressley moving forward!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two speedsters that have gained a lot of recruiting traction during the early months are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851938' first='Cameron' last='Wade'] </strong>from East Nashville and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1181026' first='Zaydyn' last='Anderson'] </strong>out of Greeneville. If college coaches want players that can take a short gain and turn it into a touchdown, Wade and Anderson could be your guys.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wade still needs time to develop his body but he sports some of the best breakaway speed from our #TN2026 class. Anderson is a smooth runner that works well in short spaces but shows a second gear to separate from defenders to find the end zone. I like both these guys and their potential to be big play threats on the college stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinton receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='284143' first='Bryson' last='Maddox'] </strong>is coming off a highly productive junior year that also showed improvement with his agility and speed that has put him on the D1 radar. Over the early off-season months, Maddox has seen his stock take off by adding several new offers but he could be someone that continues to see the interest come in due to his size (6'5 190) and improved ability to separate from defenders.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another wideout with good size that is starting to see his recruitment take off is Cleveland rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820949' first='Brayden' last='Carroll']</strong>. This 6'2 strong bodied wideout brings a power forward style game to the playing field that can be developed further in college. If Carroll can increase his speed, you might see Power Four programs begin to get involved.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1631797,"width":"276px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/braycarroll.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-1631797" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pass Catching Depth with D1/FCS potential&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I believe all the receivers mentioned above are definite Power Four, D1 guys but the players mentioned here in this section have physical abilities and traits that could be developed on the highest stage of college football, especially if they enhance their games over these off-season months.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Page wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853120' first='Cayden' last='Aukerman'] </strong>is one to watch as I feel he could be on the verge of breaking through but he may need to camp this summer to prove his speed and overall skill set before the interest increases. I like the way Aukerman attacks the ball while in the air, using his size and physicality to get the job done. He is also a solid route runner that can certainly improve in this area as well.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A small town standout to know about is Loretto receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1103005' first='Corben' last='Reynolds']</strong>. Standing about 6'0 with a physically well built body, Reynolds is a true hidden gem that shows D1 capabilities. The dude can run and does some of his best work after the catch. If he played at a bigger program, you would be hearing a lot more about this Mid-Tennessee talent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stepping into a lead role last year as a junior, Collierville pass catcher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1431843' first='Emanuel' last='Palmer'] </strong>is one of the fastest in the state from his receiver position that may not have the ideal size but the dude is a playmaker! He does a great job of taking a short catch and turning it into a big gain. Palmer could work himself into a potential D1 sleeper with continued development in the weight room and with his route running. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two sleepers at the moment to watch over the off-season months and into camp season will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1523324' first='Khalil' last='Ferguson'] </strong>out of Antioch and Walker Valley receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125399' first='Roman' last='Eulo']</strong>. Both these guys bring good size to the field along with excellent hands that translate well to the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1355722,"width":"279px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/reulo.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1355722" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferguson is physically well built, bringing that power forward style receiving to the gridiron that could be utilized on the college stage as a potential flex tight end. Eulo is a true hidden gem that does well at using his body to shield off defenders while displaying deceptive speed that can be increased over time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alcoa could have themselves a sleeper D1, FCS level guy in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630037' first='JaColby' last='Cooper']</strong>. This rising senior receiver has the size needed (6'2 170) to compete on the next level along with some of the best make you miss work I've seen on tape this off-season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two big bodied West Tennessee pass catchers that may need camp season to spring those offers would be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368048' first='Dylan' last='Shannon'] </strong>from Bartlett and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] </strong>out of Westview. Shannon is a crafty guy that simply knows how to get open. He uses his physicality and deceptive speed to get off the line well and get behind defenders. Joy is one of more intriguing guys in this position group to watch during this recruiting cycle. As of now, I like Joy best for receiver in college but I could see certain coaching staffs wanting to bring him in as a running back or linebacker and that's due to his already made college body.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='966033' first='Brandon' last='Goliday'] </strong>from Antioch and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1528452' first='Joshua' last='Bolden'] </strong>from Davidson Academy are two talented receivers that are both under the 6 '0 metric but play much bigger, doing so in different ways. Goliday is a nice option in the slot where he does good work taking a short catch and getting upfield quickly. Bolden stands at 5'8 but has some of the best vert in the state. He is a fearless pass catcher that can work deep or bring in those intermediate receptions.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sitting currently under the radar, Nash. Christian wideout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1549102' first='Javin' last='Drewelow'] </strong>is a multi talented guy that brings a nice combination of size, speed and route running to the playing field that I'm sure plenty of college coaches would enjoy working with. The Eagles rising senior helped himself big early this off-season where he ran a sub 4.5 at the Prep Redzone TN Winter Showcase.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early on in his high school career, Nolensville receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='540040' first='Oliver' last='Bender'] </strong>became an immediate name to know but has been quiet over the last year and a half. He still has college size at 6'4 190 pounds along with strong hands but to get back on the D1 radar, Bender must increase his overall agility and speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1593304,"width":"288px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/jdrewelow.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1593304" style="width:288px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Talented Developmental Receivers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- A lot of prospects mentioned in this section have certain physical abilities and traits that could land them on the college level but will need time in the lab and weight room to develop their games much further.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southwind has a trio of guys that contributed in their own ways during the 2024 but return this Fall as possibly one of the top receiving units going into the year with all three having some college upside. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300468' first='Jontae' last='Alexander']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595506' first='Shakim' last='Atkinson Jr'], </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851932' first='Willie' last='Wilkins'] </strong>are three pass catchers that all have different skill sets with Alexander having the size, Atkinson, Jr being the route runner and Wilkins having the most explosion. All three have upside to their games. Alexander must get faster while Atkinson, Jr has to get bigger and Wilkins needs to enhance his route running. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Staying in the greater Memphis area, Westwood receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1277547' first='Woodrow' last='Biggs']</strong>, Collierville big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1609993' first='Nick' last='Graham'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1542121' first='Kealan' last='Polk'] </strong>out of Bolivar Central are three guys that have a chance this off-season to further their skill sets and take into college camp season to boost their stocks. Biggs is a guy who intrigues me as I really like his athleticism, quick feet and ability to run the route tree. He's a definite sleeper that could rise up the rankings with a strong off-season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1631806,"width":"236px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/woodbiggs.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1631806" style="width:236px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DCA rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422960' first='Grayson' last='Scragg'] </strong>had a breakout junior season where he led the D2-Class A ranks in receiving and could return for the Fall season as a potential candidate for Mr. Football. The Cats pass catcher is a two-sport star (Basketball) that will need to increase his agility to further his recruiting stock.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two Knoxville area slot receivers to keep an eye on is Knox. Webb speedster <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402543' first='Gregory' last='Tate'] </strong>and Knox. Catholic pass catcher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422957' first='Casen' last='Jenkins']</strong>. The Spartans playmaker has some big time speed that definitely plays up on the college level. He needs to further his route running and gain more weight but his speed can certainly be utilized in a variety of ways.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins is a crafty wideout that shows nice work getting off the line and into his routes quickly. He sports better than average speed and the ability to make tough catches but he isn't the tallest kid, so he may be relegated to the slot role on the collegiate gridiron.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- - - - -&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other's WR's to Follow: [player_tooltip player_id='1611612' first='Zane' last='Crampton'] </strong>- NCS, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604378' first='Cam' last='Fowler'] </strong>- Lipscomb Acad., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598138' first='Andrus' last='Farmer'] </strong>- Memp. Central, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611490' first='Jesse' last='Bratcher'] </strong>- Watertown, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630987' first='Trashawn' last='Jean'] </strong>- Lincoln Co., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630982' first='J.J.' last='Davis'] </strong>- First Assembly, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142024' first='Justin' last='Cagle'] </strong>- Gallatin, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1576548' first='Cody' last='Brasher'] </strong>- Riverside, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1630962' first='Blake' last='Perkey'] </strong>- GCA, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611591' first='Lane' last='Cope'] </strong>- Eagleton Acad., <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611570' first='Jake' last='Sands'] </strong>- Richland</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1631809,"width":"301px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/brymaddox.jpg?w=720" alt="" class="wp-image-1631809" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->