Iowa 2028 WRs to Watch in 2026

For many sophomore receivers in Iowa last season, 2025 was a pivotal year where many of these players began to see a major uptick in their reps with their offenses, stepping out and flashing with impressive performances that have already cemented themselves as premier targets in the passing game for their respective teams. We take a look at 7 WRs from Iowa part of the class of 2028 to watch out for in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1358941' first='Braxton' last='Parks'] is steadily growing as one of the most exciting WR prospects in the state, having shined during the stock up showcase event back in November following a successful breakout year in 2025. Parks finished with 781 yards on 53 receptions and 10 TDs in 2025. A fast athlete who excels in the slot, Parks' quick footwork and ability to get behind the secondary consistently with ease has made him quite dangerous to go against, and he contributes well as an effective run blocker despite his smaller size. Parks is easily the best player on the Yellow Jackets' team right now, and he should continue to command a heavy workload for their offense over the next 2 seasons.     Centerville holds several exciting returning starters to their explosive offense next season, including [player_tooltip player_id='1601592' first='Abram' last='Decena'], who should cement his place as the top target for [player_tooltip player_id='1671366' first='Mack' last='Murdock'] in the passing game going into next season. Decena recorded 44 receptions for 771 yards (17.5 YPC) and 11 TDs in 2025, building off an exceptional debut in his freshman year. Decena's athleticism is quite impressive already for his age, boasting a 4.7 40 yard time, a 260 lb max bench, and a 380 lb max squat, making him a top-notch athlete for his position. Playing mostly in the slot while also showcasing the physicality and high-point ability to play on the outside, Decena is an excellent vertical threat who can stretch the field, shows strong hands making contested catches in tight coverage, and shows great precision keeping his eyes on the target and adjusting his route if needed. The chemistry between Murdock and Decena should remain as the focal point for the Big Reds' offense to build around going forward.     Sioux City East will undergo a change in QB in 2026, though their passing game should remain stabilized with the development of their top receiver to lead the group in [player_tooltip player_id='1650312' first='Isaiah' last='Grant']. Grant broke out in 2025 with 734 yards on 47 catches (15.6 YPC) and 8 TDs. A strong athlete who boasts a 275 lb max bench and a 375 lb max squat, Grant is a prototypical No. 1 WR who can play both outside and in the slot, excelling in 1-on-1 coverage, and he is just electrifying to watch on the field overall. His acceleration and agility after the catch are evident on tape, making him flexible as a deep vertical threat and as a short option who can rack up huge yards after the catch, while also showing great hands and being able to catch through traffic. Grant's sophomore season has already garnered the attention of D1 scouts, earning offers from Kansas and Wisconsin already, and he's bound to generate a lot more over the next 2 seasons.     With Keokuk relying predominantly on the pass, they were able to generate a lot of production out of [player_tooltip player_id='1850280' first='Kurt' last='Joy'] in his sophomore year. After flashing as a deep threat as a freshman, Joy led the team with 718 yards on 47 receptions (15.3 YPC) and 8 TDs in 2025. Joy is a bit of a lankier receiver who's frame will benefit greatly with some bulk, but he already boasts beneficial strength for his position, with a posted 235 lb max bench and a 300 lb max squat along with an elite 36" vertical to showcase his athleticism. Joy uses his length well, showing good extension on higher passes and being able to catch passes over the defender's helmets while also showing great footwork and awareness to make catches in tighter windows and on the sideline. With some more bulk to his frame, Joy's stock should continue to ascend toward being a potential top-5 WR prospect by the end of his junior season.     A state track qualifier for Mount Vernon, it's no surprise that [player_tooltip player_id='1884963' first='Holden' last='Hlavacek']'s speed made him quite a dangerous playmaker as he broke out in Mount Vernon's offense last season. Hlavacek recorded 662 yards on 36 catches (18.4 YPC) and 8 TDs in 2025. With 4.55 40 yard speed at his age already, Hlavacek is dangerous with the ball in his hands, but beyond his speed, Hlavacek shows sound footwork and fluid change of direction on his routes to win his reps and create separation even without the added burst. Hlavacek's role for the Mustangs' offense will become more important in 2026 as they undergo a major shakeup to that unit with the departure of several key starters this offseason.     Beau Johnson has proven to be one of the biggest playmakers for the Hawks' offense in 2025, proving to be one of their brightest standouts on a struggling unit. Johnson finished with 453 receiving yards on 26 catches (17.4 YPC) and 10 TDs. A versatile receiver who can line up outside and at the TE, Johnson has the physicality to play in both roles, proving to be a durable pass-catcher with solid length and sneaky speed that can win on 1-on-1 targets to create big plays down the field. Johnson will have the opportunity to continue developing his chemistry with the several returning starters on the Hawks' offense that could help spark a turnaround to get back into contention following a slumped year in 2025.     In the midst of a winless campaign in 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='1596629' first='Gianni' last='Gary'] stood out among the dearth of success as one of the few bright spots for the Trojans. Gary finished with 518 receiving yards on 31 catches (16.7 YPC) and 3 TDs. One of the most talented receivers after the catch, Gary's breakaway speed and quick change of direction is unmatched, and even with a small crease of space to work with, Gary is able to maneuver around the secondary and break through for a big play. Gary also flashed as a prominent vertical threat who can stretch the field, using his speed to burn defenders with just a bit of separation, and he contributes well both in the run game and as a kick returner. Even working with 3 different QBs throwing the ball last season, Gary was still able to put up strong results, and he will be a clear leader for this Trojans' offense going forward.

For many sophomore receivers in Iowa last season, 2025 was a pivotal year where many of these players began to see a major uptick in their reps with their offenses, stepping out and flashing with impressive performances that have already cemented themselves as premier targets in the passing game for their respective teams. We take a look at 7 WRs from Iowa part of the class of 2028 to watch out for in 2026!