Underrated Upperclassmen Wide Receivers to Know for 2026

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.   Kicking off this new series, I'll dive in and discuss five underrated wide receivers who need some respect. All of the ones that I've selected are talented players who have earned starting jobs at their respective schools.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/goodpasture.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1969643" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Goodpasture WR [player_tooltip player_id='903798' first='Slim' last='Leavell'] (#14) with his teammates.</figcaption></figure>   Brandon Leavell – Goodpasture Christian School   Brandon “Slim” Leavell had a breakout season in 2025, catching 35 passes for 735 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, the 6-foot-2, 170-pound receiver is still being underrated by many people around the state.   He's one of my favorite 2027 players, as he brings so much to the table. Leavell is a taller guy with a large catch radius, impressive athleticism and outstanding speed.   The rising senior is one of those receivers who can beat defensive backs on jump balls or straight up outrun them, which is a dangerous combo.   Leavell moves exceptionally well, has sound footwork, a high motor and an excellent work ethic. He will establish himself as a top 10 wide receiver in his class next season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/48-Kaden-Webber-crop-619x407-1768775850.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2108265" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: GCA ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1629937' first='Kaden' last='Webber'] at a Prep Redzone camp.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1629937' first='Kaden' last='Webber'] – Grace Christian Academy (Knoxville)   [player_tooltip player_id='1629937' first='Kaden' last='Webber'] is coming off a solid junior campaign, where he caught 25 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns across all 11 games.   The 6-foot-3, 185-pound receiver averaged nearly 20 YPC with many 30+ yard deep shots. That's a massive part of his game, but it's not because of a gimmick offense. He finds ways to get open with his outstanding speed and ability to get separation against defensive backs.   Webber had a good showing at the Prep Redzone Winter Showcase earlier this month. The 2027 prospect flashed the ability to work through contact and play physically, while also making some nice catches.   He's the No. 17 wide receiver in his class, but could see a breakout senior season and become one of the big risers.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Photo-Oct-12-2025-5-25-05-PM-crop-1071x704-1760308154.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1952714" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: WR Lex Baskin. Taken by @tai.flicks on Instagram.</figcaption></figure>   Lex Baskin – Brentwood Academy   Brentwood Academy's Lex Baskin was underutilized this season, leading many to not truly realize how talented he is. However, the rising senior is one of the top wide receivers in his class.   Baskin played in just nine games, but was a good player for the Eagles. He can line up on the outside or inside and can be used on screens, as well as take the top off defenses.   The junior is on the leaner side, standing 6-foot and weighing 170 pounds, but makes up for it with plenty of athleticism, elusiveness and quickness.   Baskin is the No. 5 wide receiver in his class for a reason; he just needs more targets. The 2027 prospect is a tremendous player who can make a big-time impact for his state title favorite Eagles.   With another offseason to develop, keep an eye on this kid as he's primed for a big senior season.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/05/jmerrill.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1675751" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Brentwood WR [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] during a game.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] – Brentwood High School   [player_tooltip player_id='903953' first='Jones' last='Merrill'] is an intriguing wide receiver who's coming off a solid year for Brentwood High School, catching 52 passes for 500 yards and five scores in nine games.   He's not the biggest guy, standing 6-foot and weighing 180 pounds, but he makes up for it with his impressive hands and crisp route running. The 2027 prospect catches everything, even if he has to go up and make a tough grab.   His ability to create separation and get open is the biggest thing that stands out to me; it's borderline elite. Merrill is a do-it-all guy who can be utilized in multiple ways and plays with a high motor.   Not many people realize how good he is, but he's a very polished and productive wide receiver. He's due for a big senior season where he will put himself on the map.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/kgrigsby.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1563077" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Nashville Christian WR [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'].</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] – Nashville Christian School   Nashville Christian's [player_tooltip player_id='933063' first='Kaden' last='Grigsby'] had another productive season in 2025, racking up 1,034 all-purpose yards with 10 touchdowns. He's such an interesting player due to his versatility, as he can be used all over the field in a plethora of ways.   The 5-foot-11, 185-pound receiver primarily lines up in the slot, but is an excellent gadget guy who excels on screens or short routes. However, he is also an impressive deep threat.   He shows outstanding patience and body control, which allows him to make some of these highlight plays through the air. The rising senior is also a willing blocker, further adding to his already very valuable game.

With the new year beginning, I'll be starting a new series surrounding underrated upperclassmen at every position. The 2027 class is loaded, which means some kids will go under the radar, and I'm here to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.