Evaluating Available '26 Wide Receivers in Iowa

Colleges needing to fill roster spots at wide receiver should check out what's available in Iowa's 2026 recruiting class. It contains a talented collection of uncommitted pass catchers.   Here's a look at some members of that group:    Daye Jr. was one of 15 Dragon receivers who combined for 104 receptions last season. Of those catches, he accounted for 17, picking up 294 yards and four touchdowns. Daye gets the job done with a well-rounded skill set at the position. He can take the top off down the field when asked or high-point the ball and haul it in over a defender. Crossing routes are also in Daye's bag as is the ability to shake defenders before the catch. All of his capabilities are on full display during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16607696/6702e7b89837d57bdf78ed38">performance against state champion Southeast Polk</a>. He caught four passes for 61 yards on a 34-0 victory.     The Maroons spread the ball around to a deep group of receivers in 2024. Drexler was one of its leaders, catching 36 catches and 399 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 19.9 yards on 12 kick returns and 8.6 on five punt returns. Colleges covet multi-phase contributors. Drexler illustrates his explosiveness in the return game on the opening clip of his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20146683/6770dfd0f4784edfc66d74d5">junior highlight video</a>. As a receiver, he thrives in the slot with quickness and burst. Dowling uses him on jets sweeps, which also take advantage of his skill set. On March 12, UNI recognized the talent and offered Drexler his first D-I scholarship.     Grant is a tall receiver with long arms. He operates effectively out of the slot but can also deliver routes from the outside. As we witness watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17635390/6722d1e7ba2a5336bd358b60">junior highlight video</a>, Grant brings speed and physicality to the position. He also plays linebacker, where he can put those traits to good use, too. Le Mars runs Grant on jet sweeps, when he can sprint by defenders or bowl then over. He averaged 21.4 yards on 19 receptions, taking five of them to the house. Grant also contributed 25 solo tackles, 5.0 stops for loss and 3.0 sacks.     Eight-player football can be difficult to evaluate. That's especially true at the receiver position, where guys can roam more freely through open field. Rouse offers evidence on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18147915/676a3b078a6b6c88d119b7e3">junior highlight video</a> that his game can translate to the 11-player game. He's fast off of the line, gets in and out of breaks smoothly and runs crisp routes. Rouse also is adept at blocking. He caught nine passes for 253 yards and six touchdowns. Rouse came up with 66.0 tackles playing linebacker last season as well.     Robinson caught 16 balls for 172 yards and four touchdowns last season. Jefferson spread the ball around with Robinson ranking third in receptions. He finds room to operate running out of the slot, making sharp cuts and catches in traffic, as you can witness watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17786819/66fad7dcd0748069c1a308e6">junior highlights</a>. Robinson sells his routes and can take it the distance once he finds a seam.     Habel averaged 18 yards per catch on his 15 catches and his four touchdowns were a team-high. He also delivered 22 solo tackles and locked opponents up from the secondary. The physicality he uses in making stops helps him playing receiver. Habel can pick up yards breaking tackles and running over people, and he also blocks well. He's quick off the line and seamlessly gets in to and out of his breaks. Habel has a frame capable of adding mass and strength without the loss of athleticism and speed.

Colleges needing to fill roster spots at wide receiver should check out what's available in Iowa's 2026 recruiting class. It contains a talented collection of uncommitted pass catchers.