Five 2026 Wide Receivers to Watch in Illinois

Eric Bergman August 20, 2025 @ 09:23 PM

Niko Menos – Lake Park HS | 6'2, 195 Menos is a big-bodied target who uses his size and strength to win at the catch point. His frame allows him to shield off defenders, and he shows natural hands when bringing down contested throws. He's the kind of receiver who can make a quarterback right even when the coverage is tight.   Tim Blackburn-Kelley – St. Joseph-Ogden HS | 5'10, 165 Blackburn-Kelley brings speed and elusiveness to the table. He's dangerous in space and thrives on creating separation with quick cuts and acceleration. His ability to turn short routes into explosive plays gives his offense a reliable spark whenever the ball is in his hands.   [player_tooltip player_id='1664014' first='Bryce' last='Carlson'] – Grayslake Central HS | 6'0, 170 Carlson is a polished route runner with reliable hands. He's consistent in finding soft spots in coverage and has the football IQ to work well against zone defenses. His steady, dependable playstyle makes him a go-to option in crucial moments.   [player_tooltip player_id='1531345' first='Alex' last='Hernandez'] – Boylan HS | 5'10, 170 Hernandez is a versatile receiver who can line up inside or outside and contribute. He plays with toughness, runs clean routes, and has the burst to slip behind defenders. He's a competitor who brings energy to every rep, a trait coaches value in developing players.   [player_tooltip player_id='1201162' first='Luke' last='Doyle'] – Benet Academy HS | 5'11, 170 Doyle is a sharp, quick receiver who excels at getting in and out of his breaks. His precise route running and dependable hands make him a reliable target in the short and intermediate passing game. As he continues to add strength to his frame, Doyle's natural separation ability will only become more dangerous.

Niko Menos – Lake Park HS | 6'2, 195
Menos is a big-bodied target who uses his size and strength to win at the catch point. His frame allows him to shield off defenders, and he shows natural hands when bringing down contested throws. He's the kind of receiver who can make a quarterback right even when the coverage is tight.