IA Class 1A Top WR/TEs to Watch in 2026

Returning to our coverage of the top upcoming prospects to watch across Iowa this upcoming season, we move up to Class 1A, where we take a look at a familiar, but talented group of pass-catchers that have been garnering attention not just within the conference, but also as some of the most potent receivers across the entire state. We take a look at 7 receivers from Class 1A Iowa to watch out for in 2026!    Kyle Sub emerged vastly in his junior season as Garrett Luett's most trusted target in the Eagles' passing game. Sub finished 4th in the 1A conference with 889 receiving yards on 54 receptions (16.5 YPC) and 8 TDs. A small, yet very dynamic receiver in the slot, Sub was a fluid route-runner who could both stretch the field as a vertical threat who can make some impressive catches through contact and being able to outstretch himself to high-point passes, and additionally be a reliable target in space who can rack up big-time yardage after the catch with his quickness. With a new QB under Center in 2026, Sub's numbers might take a dip, but he should undoubtedly remain the Eagles' No. 1 threat in the passing game through this next season.     While overshadowed by the success from star WR Sam Benson, [player_tooltip player_id='1694892' first='Casey' last='Williamson'] emerged as a formidable option for the Tigers' passing game. Williamson finished with 623 receiving yards and 8 TDs while also topping Benson as the team's leader in receptions last season with 53. Williamson was also dominant on the defense, recording 12 passes defended and 5 INTs at CB. In many ways, Williamson flashes many similar traits to that of Benson, proving to be a versatile and very explosive athlete, evident by his impressive 4.46 40 yard speed, Williamson is a dangerous player to get the ball out to in space, as he shows the capability of wringing out the most yards out of each play. His speed, vertical ability, and strong hands allows him to excel both as an inside and outside receiver. Williamson shows clear potential to stand out on either side of the ball, which should certainly be intriguing for recruiting teams.     The first TE on the list, [player_tooltip player_id='466364' first='Tate' last='Wallace'] has been more prevalent as the top LB prospect in the state, but he's been just as easily a very strong presence in the passing game for the Regals. Wallace led the offense with 40 receptions for 611 yards and 10 TDs in 2025. Using his frame greatly at the TE position as much as it's helped him dominate on the defense, Wallace has been a fluid route-runner who's reliable both on the flats and over the seams, having natural instincts in adjusting his route depth and doing a great job adjusting to the ball to reel in high passes, while also having the tenacity and strength to create lanes both for the run and pass. The 4-star prospect holds offers from 16 D1 teams, including Notre Dame, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Minnesota, and should remain to be one of the most coveted prospects entering his senior season.     One of the more underrated receivers in the conference, Reed Draper helped the Panthers take a slight step forward in their offensive performance despite finishing just 1-8. Draper once again finished as the team's leading receiver, finishing with 593 receiving yards on 43 receptions and 7 TDs. Draper proved to be a sneaky threat, stretching the field as a fast straight-line runner while possessing the size and length to win outside and make catches through contact. Draper is a very intriguing prospect, and while he may lean more toward playing basketball at the next level, but his presence as a sharp, refined athlete should continue to give a spark for this struggling team for the 2026 season.     An intriguing all-purpose threat, [player_tooltip player_id='2168235' first='Jade' last='Mielk'] was utilized in multiple different facets for the Rebels' offense as their most versatile weapon. Mielk led the team in receiving, finishing with 591 receiving yards on 42 receptions and 6 TDs while rushing for 236 yards (4.3 YPC) and 4 TDs, and adding 357 passing yards and 2 TDs over the air. As a WR, Mielk's menacing frame and tenacious power makes him flashes potential as an ideal outside WR who can dominate against smaller CBs in 1-on-1 situations while also adding value as a potent run blocker. Mielk does well with medium-to-deep routes, showing great leaping ability to high point passes and adjusting to the ball on 50-50 throws while also proving to be an effective redzone/goal-line threat. His athleticism and all-purpose value makes Mielk very much an underrated prospect, but flashing the potential to make some huge noise as he enters his senior season.     Succeeding his older brother Aiden as the leading receiver for the Sailors' offense, [player_tooltip player_id='2159567' first='Owen' last='Hosch'] has proven himself to be a solid suitor at the No. 1 WR position for Columbus Catholic. Hosch finished with 567 receiving yards on 36 receptions (15.8 YPC) and 6 TDs in 2025. Hosch possess well-rounded route-running capabilities to beat defenders at all three levels of the secondary, proving reliable in creating separation for his QB to get him the ball, while also showcasing strong hands and solid straight-line speed that can create huge plays down the field. With a QB change entering the 2026 season, Hosch will have to readjust with a different signal-caller, but should remain to be one of the Sailors' most valuable assets on the gridiron entering his senior season.     Braylon Kennedy remains to be one of the most potent targets in an explosive passing offense that Pleasantville boasts. Kennedy once again led the Trojans in receiving, finishing with 512 receiving yards on 23 receptions (22.3 YPC) and 4 TDs. Kennedy is fluid enough to be lined up both as an outside WR and as an off-ball TE/Wing player, which is where he excels as Kennedy's speed and explosiveness allows him to burn past LBs over the seams and create a big play over the middle of the field, with his playing-style making him a perfect fit for what the Trojans are doing over the air. Kennedy should continue to rack up impressive numbers as he enters his senior season and will look to cap off his high school tenure with a potential run toward the 1A state championship.

Returning to our coverage of the top upcoming prospects to watch across Iowa this upcoming season, we move up to Class 1A, where we take a look at a familiar, but talented group of pass-catchers that have been garnering attention not just within the conference, but also as some of the most potent receivers across the entire state. We take a look at 7 receivers from Class 1A Iowa to watch out for in 2026!