Spring Rankings Update: 2026 WR New Additions

Happy spring rankings update from the staff at Prep Redzone. This is probably my favorite rankings update of the cycle each year, as we've reevaluated several prospects after seeing them in camp settings and caught up on a few players we missed in the last update immediately after the season. We've got a loaded schedule of rankings pieces and we started Monday with reports on the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-rankings-update-2026-qb-new-additions/">2026 quarterbacks</a>. Tuesday, I looked at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/05/spring-rankings-update-2026-rb-new-additions/">running backs</a>.   This rankings update, I'm doing things a bit differently. Rather than simply telling you which players moved up, I'm going behind-the-scenes to say why they were added, whether it was an initial evaluation, a camp performance, or simply us being a bit late to the party after a good junior season.   After looking at the WR stock-risers, it's time to hit the 2026 WR New Additions.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 WR New Additions</h2>    Martin got off to an extremely promising start in the non-conference last year, averaging nearly 20 yards a catch a game and putting up promising numbers as a receiver and kick returner. He slowed down the stretch due to injury and schedule, but looks ready to go in 2025. His combination of size and speed is enticing and he should continue to improve as he gets older.     Doody is a two-time all-conference receiver who has some of the best hands in the state. Unlike many other receivers in the class, Doody isn't specialized in one type of play (screen, deep ball, etc.) and is one of the best intermediate threats in the state. His game could expand as Sun Valley loses some other, more-specialized receivers in the fall, and I'm interested to see how his route tree looks in 2025 compared to 2024.     One of the best route-runners in the state, Hunt has dominated the camp circuit, winning multiple wide receiver MVP awards in spring camps. He accelerates quickly out of his breaks and then uses his body as a shield before catching the ball with his hands far out in front. That makes him a menace on out-breaking and comeback routes.     Rosen does plenty for Charlotte Christian, contributing as a corner, return man, gadget guy and all around weapon for the Knights. However, he's at his best as a pure receiver, capable of both taking the top off a defense and breaking tackles on a screen. That bodes well for his college prospects, as he's already a talented receiver.     At Charlotte Catholic, Rhodes was a bailout receiver, a guy who wasn't asked to do much other than make long catches on vertical routes if the offense had to deviate from its traditional run-heavy play-calling. I saw him do that against the best team in the state as he caught everything that came his way in the second half of an eventual blowout loss to Grimsley. Now at Independence, I'm interested to see how he develops his route tree and becomes a more complete receiver.     Portis isn't the biggest receiver, but he can fly with true 4.4 speed. He knows not only how to get behind defenders, but how to then find open space and make himself available for the throw. Most of his routes stem vertically, but he can get inside as well and he's dangerous with the ball after the catch.     Edwards is at his best when he can get behind defenders down the field, but he also punishes off coverage with the ability to make the first guy miss. He's not the biggest receiver, but plays bigger than his size, able to go up and get 50-50 balls over bigger defenders. He shows nice cuts in his routes and while most of his work is done vertically, he flashes lateral quickness as well.     Mehalic plays bigger than his size would suggest and is excellent in contested catch situations down the field. That allows him confidence as a route-runner, knowing he only needs a little space. He shows soft hands and a willingness to sit in the soft spot of zone coverage.     Cook's decisiveness and acceleration after the catch really stand out on film. Sometimes, that results in an extra yard or two, while other times it allows him to get to the corner and outrun defender who delayed in closing. His role is well-defined in a fun Newton-Conover passing attack, as he's the gadget guy who operates around the line of scrimmage. While that works really well, I'd also like to see him in a setting where I can fairly asses him ball skills and downfield prowess.     A two-way player for North Wake, I like Parry-Smarra best as a shifty slot receiver, a role he only plays sparingly for the Saints. More often, he's asked to contribute as an H-back and lead blocker in a run-heavy scheme. But, he's shown some wiggle after the catch and I think he could play an expanded role in college, given his speed, quickness, and overall athletic profile.     Thomas is a big-bodied receiver who caught 57 passes for Cleveland last year and now moves over to a similarly talented Millbrook squad. He'll be surrounded by talent and his unique skill set should be on full display. He's a jump ball receiver who can go down the field and get the ball, even in obvious passing situations. I'm interested to see if his role expands or if he continues to be used as a jump ball guy.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other New 2026 WR Additions</h3>   Several of these players have been featured recently in Deep Dive articles. Since we don't want those more-detailed evaluations to get lost, we're instead listing those players below. Click their name to view their profiles and scouting reports.   [player_tooltip player_id='1665459' first='Krisjon' last='Clark'], Cleveland   [player_tooltip player_id='1665469' first='DJ' last='Brown'], Harnett Central   [player_tooltip player_id='1663787' first='Brayden' last='Karras'], Cardinal Gibbons   Tracy Harrington, Holly Springs   [player_tooltip player_id='1665473' first='Carter' last='Lawson'], Corinth Holders   [player_tooltip player_id='1667009' first='Michael' last='Young'], Jordan

Happy spring rankings update from the staff at Prep Redzone. This is probably my favorite rankings update of the cycle each year, as we've reevaluated several prospects after seeing them in camp settings and caught up on a few players we missed in the last update immediately after the season. We've got a loaded schedule of rankings pieces and we started Monday with reports on the 2026 quarterbacks. Tuesday, I looked at the running backs.