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<p>When it comes to producing high-level talent, Florida is in a league of its own, and the Class 6A battlefield is loaded with game-breaking wide receivers from the 2026 class. These young playmakers are already showing flashes of next-level ability, blending explosive athleticism with sharp route-running and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Whether it's taking the top off a defense or moving the sticks with precision, they're becoming trusted targets in high-stakes moments. What separates this group isn't just raw talent, it's the polish, the poise, and the production against varsity competition. College programs have taken early notice, and it's clear. This is a special class on the rise. In this breakdown, we highlight some of the top 5A wideouts in Florida's 2026 cycle—receivers who are rewriting the scouting reports and raising the bar each time they take the field.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='929641' first='Drew' last='Watson']</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver / Athlete</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Beachside High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10”, 175 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 53 rec, 891 yards, 8 TD, 81.0 YPG, 16.8 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>College Interest: Emerging athlete with versatility</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Watson is a dynamic, balanced receiver who blends reliable hands with consistent yardage after the catch. His YPR near 17 yards indicates he can stretch the field and generate big plays, while his 5'10”, 175-pound frame allows for agility and route precision. He's effective both in intermediate routes and when running vertically. His athleticism in film shows his versatility, making him valuable in multiple offensive roles.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS-level WR with multi-faceted skill set suitable for spread offenses and yards-after-catch roles.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1584856' first='Robert' last='Stith']</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Niceville High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'2”, 180 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 34 rec, 870 yards, 6 TD, 62.1 YPG, 19.3 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>Committed to: West Virginia University</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Stith is a prototypical deep threat with excellent size and explosive ability. At 6'2”, 180 pounds, he has the length and athleticism to win contested catches downfield. His nearly 20-yard average per reception speaks to his ability to stretch defenses vertically and create explosive plays. Committed to a Power 5 program, he's proven to be a reliable weapon in stretching the field and can develop into a primary downfield threat.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS vertical WR with strong potential as a deep-field target and contested catch specialist.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1752378' first='James' last='Jones']</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver / Athlete</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Atlantic High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11”, 150 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 53 rec, 848 yards, 6 TD, 60.6 YPG, 16.0 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>Committed to: University of North Dakota</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Jones offers a blend of route-running and vertical threat ability, showing balance with a solid 16-yard reception average. His film shows he's a speed-oriented, elusive player who can create separation. His athleticism and versatility on offense evident. While a bit lean, his production shows ability to make plays beyond just possession roles.</p>
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<p>Projection: FCS-level vertical WR with speed and route finesse; may add strength to compete physically at higher levels.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Maddox Hunstad</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Beachside High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'5”, 205 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 58 rec, 846 yards, 6 TD, 76.9 YPG, 25.0 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>Committed to: Bowling Green State University</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Hunstad is a true vertical threat and red-zone weapon with elite size and deep-ball skills. His towering 6'5” frame combined with a massive 25-yard catch average screams explosive downfield playmaker. He can win jump balls and stretch defenses effortlessly, making him a prime target in the passing game's most critical areas. He's a mismatch nightmare and projects well in systems that emphasize a strong deep passing attack.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS-level WR with big-play upside as a deep threat and possession red-zone target.</p>
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<p><strong><em>B[player_tooltip player_id='641591' first='Ryan' last='Hamilton']</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Gaither High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'11”, 165 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 50 rec, 818 yards, 8 TD, 68.2 YPG, 16.3 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>Committed to: University of Pittsburgh</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Hamilton is a balanced receiver who blends solid size with above-average yards per catch. His 16.3-yard average shows the ability to create separation and make explosive plays downfield, while his 5'11”, 165-pound frame gives him agility and quickness. His commitment to Pitt shows a well-rounded skill set with good route-running and dependable hands.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS WR with potential as both a possession and vertical threat in balanced passing attacks.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='283740' first='Jabari' last='Monds']</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver / Athlete</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Westwood High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10”, 170 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 35 rec, 787 yards, 10 TD, 78.7 YPG, 15.4 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>Committed to: Eastern Michigan University</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Monds blends solid receiving production with a strong touchdown total, showing knack for scoring and home-run hitting ability. His 15.4-yard average indicates a mix of possession and intermediate to deep threat ability. At 5'10” and 170 pounds, he's athletic and capable of making plays after the catch or running precise routes. His athleticism adds additional versatility on offense or defense.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS-level WR or athlete with the ability to stretch the field and contribute in multiple offensive schemes.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1632437' first='Gary' last='Hadley'] Jr.</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Athlete / Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Pompano Beach Ely High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'2”, 184 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 30 rec, 740 yards, 4 TD, 61.7 YPG, 24.6 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>Committed to: Tulane University</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Hadley Jr. is an explosive playmaker with elite size and deep-ball threat capability. His massive 24.6 yards per reception average coupled with 6'2” height and athletic frame make him a dangerous vertical weapon. His limited touchdown total belies his potential to stretch defenses and create big plays in open space. A multi-sport athlete, he shows potential to develop into a top deep-threat target at the collegiate level.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS-level vertical threat WR with game-breaking ability and mismatch potential.</p>
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<p><strong><em>Jack Berquist</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Ponte Vedra High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 6'3”, 215 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 54 rec, 682 yards, 5 TD, 56.8 YPG, 17.0 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>College Offers: Georgia Southern, Wofford, Arkansas State, Stetson, Presbyterian College, Marist, Davidson College</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Berquist is a big-bodied receiver with solid downfield ability and physical presence. His 6'3”, 215-pound frame allows him to win contested catches and serve as a reliable red-zone target. His 17-yard catch average is evident of his strength and size that allow him to work as a possession receiver who can also stretch defenses vertically. Offers from multiple FCS programs reflect his potential as a dependable offensive weapon.</p>
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<p>Projection: FCS/FBS-level WR with upside as a possession receiver and vertical deep threat.</p>
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<p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='641591' first='Ryan' last='Hamilton']</em></strong><br><strong><em>Position: Wide Receiver</em></strong><br><strong><em>School: Gaither High</em></strong><br><strong><em>Height/Weight: 5'10”, 160 lbs</em></strong><br><strong><em>2024 Stats: 30 rec, 646 yards, 8 TD, 53.8 YPG, 21.5 YPR</em></strong><br><strong><em>College Offers: Wofford, Alabama State, Howard University, Sacramento State, FAU, Southern Miss, Wake Forest, Buffalo</em></strong></p>
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<p>Scouting Report: Hamilton is a pure vertical threat with excellent speed and separation ability. His 21.5-yard average per catch stands out for a player of his size (5'10”, 160 pounds), indicating a knack for big plays and explosive routes. Despite a smaller frame, he uses agility and acceleration to create space downfield. Multiple offers from FBS and high-level FCS programs underline his potential as a deep-play weapon.</p>
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<p>Projection: FBS-level deep threat WR with speed and big-play upside; will need to develop strength to handle physical coverage.</p>
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When it comes to producing high-level talent, Florida is in a league of its own, and the Class 6A battlefield is loaded with game-breaking wide receivers from the 2026 class. These young playmakers are already showing flashes of next-level ability, blending explosive athleticism with sharp route-running and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Whether it's taking the top off a defense or moving the sticks with precision, they're becoming trusted targets in high-stakes moments. What separates this group isn't just raw talent, it's the polish, the poise, and the production against varsity competition. College programs have taken early notice, and it's clear. This is a special class on the rise. In this breakdown, we highlight some of the top 5A wideouts in Florida's 2026 cycle—receivers who are rewriting the scouting reports and raising the bar each time they take the field.
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