New Wave of WR1s and TE1s to Know

Every year we see standout and high producing WRs and TEs graduate and either go on to college or enter the work force. For teams to be successful and consistent they need to have that next wave of talent ready to take the step forward and pick up that production left behind. After going through several teams I have found a handful of athletes who look like they are ready to make that leap to being a focal point of their varsity offense. Today we take a look at the voids left behind, the players ready to step up and fill it, and the traits they bring to the field.    This is an exciting opportunity for [player_tooltip player_id='1633408' first='Delani' last='Oreso'] of Hudson. The Raiders graduate every single athlete who caught a pass in 2025 except for 3 athletes. Leading those three athletes is Delani who had 3 receptions for 170 yards and 3 TDs. In front of Delani is 68 receptions that graduate and are open for the taking.   Delani looks ready for the leap. He has a long frame providing a large catch radius. It is clear that he has that playmaking ability, turning every catch in 2025 into a score while also averaging 56.7 yards/rec. The raw athlete is just coming into his own. He eats up yards with long strides and can build up to some effective speed. This year could be a special, breakout performance for a raw, but very talented WR. Coaches, make sure you keep a close eye on this kid.     This is an interesting situation that I will be following as the 2026 season begins. St. Catherine's will be looking for several new pieces across the team, so we could see a top athlete like Jovanni filling a variety of roles. My top choice for him would be to step into the WR1 role. St. Cat's graduates 110+ receptions from their senior WRs, so there is a massive workload opening up for the taking.   Jovanni has the talent to take on a lot of that work. Even while still being one of the team's top defenders. On defense you see Jovanni dominate with his range and violence. That speed and physicality could create a lot of big plays if you can get him the ball in space too. Jovanni is one of the top 2028s, so I can't wait to see if he earns more of a two way role in 2026. The opportunities are there.     Waupun's high flying passing offense is going to be looking for a new WR1 with the graduation of nearly 80 receptions from senior WRs. Lucky for Waupun it looks like their next man up is ready for the job. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2124853' first='Liam' last='Hopp'] stands out as a likely option. He was already able to put up 9 receptions, 173 yards, and 2 TDs in 2025.   Liam is an intriguing talent too. He brings a solid frame to build on over the years. The '29 is already smooth downfield getting in and out of breaks. Plus he naturally catches the ball with his hands. With that early experience and an offseason under his belt we are setting up for a sophomore year breakout season.     Monona Grove has a growing passing game led by an up and coming QB talent. To continue to see that passing game grow and develop they will need to see new names step up on the receiving end. The Silver Eagles graduate 4 of their top 6 receiving threats who lined up all over the field.   Someone who I am confident will be able to step up is [player_tooltip player_id='2112360' first='Nic' last='Busalacchi'] at the TE position. Nic has a long frame that will be able to hold plenty of size on that frame. I love where he is at athletically. From getting off the line quick and clean to running smooth routes. He also is able to cover ground very quickly. His athletic profile is very fitting for a talented TE recruit. Nic could make a big impact if the team can get him 25+ catches this next season.     Stoughton is another team looking for their new go-to man. They graduate every athlete who had double digit catches in 2025. That opens up 80 receptions for athletes to step up and take. Jackson leads the way in terms of returning production with 8/174/2 through the air.   Jackson is a kid that I believe can handle a lot more targets. In the limited film that he has you see a kid with a special ability to track and adjust to the football. He made some difficult catches and last second adjustments look very easy. You also see some devastating blocks in his tape from last year. I'm very intrigued by this new athlete on my radar. Coaches, make sure to take a look at this kid this summer.

Every year we see standout and high producing WRs and TEs graduate and either go on to college or enter the work force. For teams to be successful and consistent they need to have that next wave of talent ready to take the step forward and pick up that production left behind. After going through several teams I have found a handful of athletes who look like they are ready to make that leap to being a focal point of their varsity offense. Today we take a look at the voids left behind, the players ready to step up and fill it, and the traits they bring to the field.