Kentucky HSFB: 45 Freshmen (2029) Wide Receivers to Know in 2025

After a year of finding prospects, evaluating them in person and on film, speaking with different coaches and sources throughout the state, the Prep Redzone Next Kentucky Class of 2029 Rankings and Watchlist is complete. This list contains nearly 400 prospects that are set to make their high school football debut this upcoming fall—and the talent is immense.   A few things to remember:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>EVERY SECTION IS LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY FIRST NAME</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>This list is NOT final and will be updated by Prep Redzone Kentucky as HS careers progress</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Things change quickly on this level and there may be incorrect information that I simply missed/wasn't aware of</li> </ul>     <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Brandon-Smith-Body.png?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-1793996" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Top-15 Wide Receivers Prospects</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**    <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for Region 1 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named the Muhlenberg County Middle School Offensive Player of the Year last season</li> </ul>   A big target on the outside in the 6-foot-2 range. Originally had him listed as an Athlete because he's built like a Wide Receiver, but has the power and athleticism of an Outside Linebacker. On film he appears to play very fast in open space.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A three-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Helped Somerset (Meece Middle School) reach the KYMSFA Division 3 Semi-finals last season</li> </ul>   A Wide Receiver with plus size, as Decker is set to start his high school career. Comes off one of the most accomplished middle school careers of anyone Kentucky 2029 prospect including multiple Battle of the Region and Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year selections.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>No post-season honors/awards last season (from what I have been able to learn)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Plays his 7v7 ball with SOKY Elite</li> </ul>   Again, the Top-15 Wide Receivers are listed alphabetically by first name, but [player_tooltip player_id='1741267' first='Ayden' last='Wickware'] is the first of four Bowling Green Wide Receivers listed in the Top-15 Wide Receivers in Kentucky's 2029 class. A speedster that routinely burned DBs at the middle school level. A dangerous creator after the catch too.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A multi-sport athlete (basketball)</li> </ul>   From what I've seen, [player_tooltip player_id='1518213' first='Brandon' last='Smith'] was the most dominant 2029 Wide Receiver in the Norsemen Conference this past season, coasting to an All-Conference selection. Has been able to dunk a basketball since seventh-grade. Has the size, speed and hands to become a very special player over the next four years.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named an Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year selection last year</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A multi-sport athlete (lacrosse)</li> </ul>   Again, the Top-15 Wide Receivers are listed alphabetically by first name, but while [player_tooltip player_id='1685787' first='Carter' last='May'] doesn't have the size of some the WRs listed above, he definitely has the skill. May darts around the field with quick and sudden bursts, much like the moves he displays on the LAX field. Brings toughness to the position too.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named the Division 1 Region 2 Player of the Year last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament last season</li> </ul>   Probably could have been listed as an Athlete with the dynamic ability [player_tooltip player_id='1662547' first='Cayenne' last='Rankin'] brings to the field. Explosive player that was a threat to rip off a big gainer if lined up in the backfield, or take a short pass to the house if he was split out. Some of the best ball skills in Kentucky's 2029 class.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A three-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for, and was a stand out for, Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament last season</li> </ul>   One of the top deep threats of the 2029 class in Kentucky, [player_tooltip player_id='868412' first='David' last='Lawless'] has been a name to know since he was in the sixth grade. Lawless has good height and should start to blossom when the muscle and weight starts to be added to his frame. Look for him to potentially make an impact as a Safety too.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for the 2025 Kentucky Future Stars but did not participate</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Named an Honorable Mention Regional Player of the Year selection last year</li> </ul>   After playing his middle school ball at Paducah, and playing a huge role in their run to the KYMSFA D2 State Championship Game, [player_tooltip player_id='1663835' first='Jaheim' last='Southward'] will be at Bowling Green High School this upcoming season. He checks every box athletically and joins a scary group of skill players for the Purples -- with four WRs listed in my Top-15.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A two-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for, and was a stand out for, Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament last season</li> </ul>   [player_tooltip player_id='1648823' first='Jailen' last='McCown-Carter'] is another prospect that could have made these lists as a Defensive Back, Wide Receiver or as an Athlete. One of the top players on Wesport Middle School's team last year, McCown-Carter is off to Trinity High School to suit up for a perennial Bluegrass powerhouse program.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for the 2025 Kentucky Future Stars</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Selected for Region 2 in the KYMSFA Battle of the Regions tournament last season</li> </ul>   Don't refresh the page, joining [player_tooltip player_id='1648823' first='Jailen' last='McCown-Carter'] (listed just above) at Trinity High School will be WR Jeremiah Quick -- giving the Shamrocks a pair of Top-15 Wide Receivers in this incoming 2029 class. He's a taller Receiver who can go up and win 50/50 balls. Look for him to especially be a red zone threat.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A three-time Kentucky Future Stars selection</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A member of Bowling Green Junior High's State Championship 4x200m relay team last year</li> </ul>   As mentioned above, Bowling Green High School is welcoming four of the Top-15 2029 Wide Receivers in the state of Kentucky. [player_tooltip player_id='1150399' first='Jett' last='Reynolds'] has a fitting name given his propensity to make big plays with his speed and quickness on the outside. As displayed in the June 2025's Future Stars Game, he is also a threat as a Returner on Special Teams.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Multi-sport athlete (track)</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Only 2029 WR listed on Louisville Male's varsity roster</li> </ul>   Randle is a solid Wide Receiver that should shine for the Bulldogs over the next four seasons. He's coming off an eighth-grade year at Barrett Traditional that saw him excel in both football and track. Capping off last year, Randle was selected as an alternate for a very deep Kentucky Future Stars Wide Receiver corps     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Helped Bowling Green Junior High to a 10-2 record last season</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Enters high school as one of the most accomplished 2029 track athletes in the state of Kentucky</li> </ul>   Rice is the fourth and final Bowling Green Purples 2029 Wide Receiver to make my Top-15. Like his teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1150399' first='Jett' last='Reynolds'] (listed above) Rice was a member of the BGJH State Championship 4x200m relay team a year ago. However, adding to that, he was also a member of the 4x100m relay team that also won a Kentucky State Championship. He's a speedy that should provide stability to a big play group.     <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Helped Pikeville Junior High team finish undefeated and win a State Championship last year</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>A multi-sport athlete (baseball)</li> </ul>   As noted above, Pikeville High School welcomes a tremendously talented freshman group that won a KYMSFA title a year ago. A tall, lean, wiry Wide Receiver, [player_tooltip player_id='1844500' first='Zayne' last='Varney'] led a deep stable of Panther Wide Receivers with 17 catches for a team-high 399 yards and three TDs. Additionally, recognized as one of the top hoopers in Kentucky too.      <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Alex-Dezern-Body.png?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-1793781" style="width:525px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">The Best of the Rest Wide Receiver Watchlist</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**   [player_tooltip player_id='1280013' first='Alex' last='Dezern'] | St. Xavier - Sure-handed Wide Receiver that is part of a very deep, very talented group of incoming freshmen for the St. X Tigers. Played his youth ball for the Lyndon Lightning which essentially served as a feeder program for the Kentucky powerhouse program. Did a nice job in the slot, but can also take the top off the defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1793787' first='Andrew' last='Irwin'] | Ryle High School - Appeared to be one of, if not the go-to weapon on the outside for an explosive offense for the Union Raiders team last season. Irwin was an easy All-Conference selection as a Wide Receiver, as together with top 2029 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1790293' first='Brody' last='Smith'], the duo put up some big numbers in the Norsemen Conference a year ago. They'll continue on to Ryle together.   [player_tooltip player_id='1793964' first='Brady' last='Robinson'] | South Laurel High School - Athletically gifted Wide Receiver that doesn't lose many footraces in open field, after the catch. Fires off the line and gets into his route aggressively, as if he's trying to step on the toes of the Corner in front of him. Also elite on the track, finished 8th in the 400m at the New Balance Middle School Nationals in June 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='870199' first='Connor' last='Lewis'] | Pulaski County High School - Prototypical Wide Receiver that excels in the Slot. Not the biggest kid in the world, listed a t 5-foot-7 and 145-pounds, but quick in space. Catches the ball well with his hands. A one cut and get vertical type of WR with the ball in his hands. Smart, instinctual player who seemingly always knows where the sticks are.   [player_tooltip player_id='1794156' first='Eli' last='Scott'] | West Jessamine High School - A sure-handed Wide Receiver on the outside that played a huge role in West Jessamine's march to the KYMSFA State Championship Game last year as an eighth-grader. Somewhat a jack of all trades WR that can do just about anything that's asked of him. Not afraid to get physical on the outside. Looks to continue to be a favorite target of stud QB [player_tooltip player_id='1692236' first='Caleb' last='Spann'].   [player_tooltip player_id='1794188' first='Jacob' last='DeHaas'] | South Oldham High School - At this point basketball seems to be where his future could be, but he's a heck of an option at Wide Receiver as well. Tall, long and coordinated on the outside. As one would expect, has a very big catch radius and can win most 50/50 or jump balls. A two-time Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention, he was selected to the Kentucky All-Star Classic following his eighth-grade season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1794278' first='Jibril' last='Miller'] | North Oldham High School - A budding star on the gridiron and in multiple events in track and field, Miller has a ton of potential in both sports. Blessed with long arms and legs, once he hits the weight room and adds some mass to his wiry frame -- the sky is the limit. Not the quickest in short distance, but more of a long strider that can stretch the field once he gets churning.   [player_tooltip player_id='1789982' first='Keylan' last='Bailey'] | Caverna High School - Another Wide Receiver with a high ceiling as he gets ready to start his high school career. Long and lean with pretty good speed once he gets going. Plays with unassuming full body strength and balance. Weightroom will help take him to another level. On film appears to be a pretty good athlete overall and even took some pitches out of the backfield last year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1794359' first='Kobi' last='Mitchell'] | Owensboro Catholic - A well-put together two-sport athlete (football and basketball) that plays a very physical brand of Wide Receiver. At first look, he could easily pass for a Linebacker with a muscular build. Mitchell was a major contributor on an Owensboro Catholic Middle School program that advanced to back-to-back KYMSFA Division 3 State Championship Games.   Malachi Waters | Bullit East High School - One of the smallest Wide Receivers in this write up, listed at just 5-foot-8 and 140-pounds but is also one of the quickest, most agile in this write up. Speedy kid who can also return kicks and punts. Offers versatility and can line up in the backfield as a Running Back if needed. Very wasted little movement between the time he makes the catch and turning up field. Good build on him as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1796954' first='Mylan' last='Peters'] | Danville High School - An All-Conference selection last year as an eighth-grader, Peters is the Wide Receiver to know in a talented freshman class at Danville High School. With his mates and other top 2029s [player_tooltip player_id='1311186' first='Jayvian' last='Meaux'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1668609' first='Braiden' last='Ford'], Peters was part of a 400m group that finished third in the state on the track -- meaning he can absolutely fly. Runs good routes for a WR at this level and once he has a step on the DB, he's hard to catch up to.   [player_tooltip player_id='1692265' first='Naizaih' last='Clay'] | West Jessamine High School - A Wide Receiver that was incredibly difficult to keep out of the Top-15 based off what I've seen. Extremely quick in and out of his breaks. Excellent acceleration after making the catch. Looks very long in pics/on film and also plays basketball. West Jessamine should have something special with Clay playing pitch and catch with QB [player_tooltip player_id='1692236' first='Caleb' last='Spann'] over the next four years.   [player_tooltip player_id='1797070' first='Silas' last='Wilson'] | Pike County Central - A long, lean playmaking Wide Receiver on offense and a blanketing Defensive Back on the other side of the ball. Not a burner, but more of a possession WR and red zone threat due to his catch radius. Top sport appears to be baseball at this point where he plays Catcher. The toughness and attitude translates to both sports for the Regional Player of the Year Honorable Mention selection.   [player_tooltip player_id='1674806' first='Skylar' last='Rowen'] | Elizabethtown High School - Unfortunately will miss his freshman season with a torn ACL, but that doesn't erase what he did at TK Stone Middle and what his future in football has the potential to be. A speedy Wide Receiver with one of the best initial bursts in the 2029 class in Kentucky -- was clocked at an Elizabethtown team-best 4.24 in the shuttle in May 2025.       <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/Jeremiah-Quick-body.png?w=875" alt="" class="wp-image-1794251" style="width:523px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Additional Watchlist Wide Receivers</h2>   **Listed Alphabetically By First Name**   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1664705' first='Braxton' last='Brock'] | Corbin High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1794017' first='Brayden' last='Milliken'] | Mayfield High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1794020' first='Canaan' last='Howard'] | Belfry High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1651536' first='CJ' last='Lewis'] | Bryan Station High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1666795' first='Davis' last='Ashcraft'] | Garrard County High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1794163' first='Graycen' last='Davis'] | Bullit East High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1648900' first='Grayson' last='Johnson'] | Louisville Male</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1648858' first='Gunner' last='Harrig'] | Henry County High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1279955' first='Jake' last='Brown'] | Paducah Tilghman High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1365094' first='Kamari' last='Lofton'] | Christian County High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1794371' first='Korbyn' last='Woodyard'] | Cooper High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1664721' first='Landon' last='Broughton'] | Corbin High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1666787' first='Lucas' last='Eldridge'] | Garrard County High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1664967' first='Luke' last='Trett'] | Corbin High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1794405' first='Malachi' last='Buttera'] | duPont Manual High School</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1797172' first='Tyler' last='Hollis'] | N/A High School (Previous: Lexington Catholic)</li> </ul>

After a year of finding prospects, evaluating them in person and on film, speaking with different coaches and sources throughout the state, the Prep Redzone Next Kentucky Class of 2029 Rankings and Watchlist is complete. This list contains nearly 400 prospects that are set to make their high school football debut this upcoming fall—and the talent is immense.