2026 WR Stock-Risers: October

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time again! In case you missed it, we <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/updated-2026-north-carolina-rankings-4/">updated our 2026 rankings</a>, and we have plenty of stock-risers, 108 to be exact. I've already gone <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/october-rankings-update-behind-the-scenes-oif-the-2026-class/">behind the scenes</a> on this update, giving fans an idea about our thinking and decisions within the rankings. Here, I'm diving into evaluations for some of our biggest stock-risers at the wide receiver position. Here are our October WR stock-risers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 WR Stock-Risers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1654186"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e542cdb5ee4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When we saw how well Hunt performed at our Prep Redzone Showcase, we were a bit surprised at his refined route running and sure hands. So, we're not at all surprised that he's having a breakout senior year. He has over 700 yards, including a school record-breaking 312-yard, four-touchdown outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539536"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e542cdb5f44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chambers transferred to Kinston in the offseason, and while his overall numbers aren't the same as when he was the clear No. 1 offensive option, he's playing his complementary role well. He has a massive frame that can win jump balls, and speed to get down the field. The Marshall commit is becoming more refined as a route-runner, which should help him at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1701341"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e542cdb5f92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hardy has emerged as a strong No. 2 receiver this season, and he's been reliable, moving the chains and making key plays in high-leverage situations. He has speed to get deep, but it shows most when he's able to run away from man coverage over the middle of the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1299433"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e542cdb5fdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After living and dying on deep routes last season, Nicholson has become a more complete receiver as a senior. The Charlotte commit can beat teams over the top with speed or underneath with yards after the catch. His route tree is more diverse this season, but while he has more ways to beat defenses, he's still thriving as a sure-handed playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["423992"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e542cdb6026"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gilchrist solidified himself as the top receiver on a team with plenty of talented wideouts, and the increased opportunities have propelled him up the rankings. He's a strong route-runner with yards after the catch ability who can also contribute on special teams. That combination makes him an excellent college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["338729"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e542cdb606e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Price separated himself early in the preseason as Mallard Creek's No. 1 option, further solidifying that role in an impressive Week 1 performance against Rolesville. He has size, quickness, and versatility, and catches the ball with ease. His release package is excellent and he continues to be a threat down the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other 2026 WR Stock-Risers</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1734507' first='Jarryn' last='Payne']</strong>, Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717885' first='A'Maree' last='Evans']</strong>, East Chapel Hill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600212' first='William' last='Vaughn']</strong>, Kings Mountain</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1321100' first='Rakim' last='Finch']</strong>, West Charlotte</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='705385' first='Fisher' last='Leftwich']</strong>, North Surry</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1148569' first='Ethan' last='Driver']</strong>, Davie County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Expect plenty more from us on the class of 2026 as we provide content on the midseason rankings update. We'll provide new updates for stock-risers and new additions, while continuing our in-season coverage of every classification in the state.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->