Class 2A WRs to Watch Out For in 2026

Moving on in our search of the top pass-catchers in Iowa entering the 2026 season, we move up to Class 2A Iowa, which boasted one of the strongest receiver groups in the state, tying with the 8-man league for 1st in the state last season with 26 receivers amassing over 500+ receiving yards, as well as matching Class 5A with the most 1000+ yard receivers last season with 3. A good portion of those top receivers from last season will be returning to dominate the 2A conference once again in 2026. We take a look at 8 receivers in Class 2A Iowa to watch out for this upcoming season!    Roland-Story emerged as a force with their passing game last season, and working with a new QB under Center, [player_tooltip player_id='2075898' first='Luke' last='Thoreson'] not only built upon his promising sophomore campaign, but emerged as one of the very best receivers overall in the state. Thoreson ranked 2nd in the conference in receptions (75) and receiving yards (1206), which also placed both 3rd overall in the entire state. His 16 receiving TDs led the 2A conference and ranked T-5th most in the state. Thoreson was outstanding, showing substantial growth with both his size and his precision as a pass-catcher, being able to catch passes through contact and in tight windows, showing sharper footwork with his routes, and creating separation down the field with ease to create huge chunk gains for his young QB. The dynamic between Thoreson and QB [player_tooltip player_id='2072490' first='Colin' last='Willis'] should remain as the central point for the Norsemen's offense, which may pave the way for a deep run for Roland-Story in the postseason in 2026.     [player_tooltip player_id='2089998' first='Griffin' last='Glynn'] is the other 1000 yard receiver to return to the 2A Conference in 2026, with his dynamic versatility and sheer playmaking ability having proven him as one of the most dangerous players overall in the state. Glynn finished with 1013 receiving yards on 56 receptions (18.1 YPC) and 11 TDs. He added 5 INTs on defense as scored 2 kick return TDs. Every time the ball was in Glynn's hands, there was a big chance that he would take it to the house, with his speed proving most beneficiary in the passing game, being able to outrun his defender deep down the field and catch it in stride, as well as catching short passes and outrunning the defense after the catch. Glynn is a true playmaker for the Knights, and even with a change under Center shouldn't affect Glynn's status as the team's X-Factor entering his senior season.     Centerville emerged in 2025 as one of the most explosive passing units in the 2A conference, and a large reason for that growth was the continued development of the connection between 2028 standouts [player_tooltip player_id='1671366' first='Mack' last='Murdock'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1601592' first='Abram' last='Decena']. Decena would ultimately finish 2nd in receiving yards on the team, but still amassed 771 yards on 44 catches (17.5 YPC) and 11 TDs. Decena is an intriguing receiver, one who's consistently reliable enough to where the QB can just chuck the ball down the field and Decena does an outstanding job adjusting to the ball and maintain his focus to come down with the catch. Decena can play both inside and outside receiver, showing great straight-line speed and shows very strong hands through contact. The dynamic between Decena and Murdock should continue to play a vantage point for Centerville's offense as they continue to grow as a force going forward.     Wilton's offense had a bit of a shakeup in 2025, but one player who rose to the occasion and brought some explosiveness to the Beavers' offense was [player_tooltip player_id='2057045' first='Bryer' last='Putman']. Putman emerged almost out of nowhere to finish as their leading receiver, finishing with 679 receiving yards on 36 receptions (18.9 YPC) and 10 TDs. He also recorded 6 INTs on defense with 1 returned for a TD and served as the team's primary kicking specialist. Putman was one of the best receivers when it came to contested catches last season, making some outstanding catches through traffic, winning in 1-on-2 and even 1-on-3 situations, proving an effective down-the-field target for his gun-slinging QB. Wilton's offense should remain potent entering the 2026 season, and Putman will look to round out his high school career with a potential state championship.     While primarily a DB, [player_tooltip player_id='1204942' first='Logan' last='Jaeschke'] has proven to be an effective multi-purpose tool for the Jaguars, ultimately finishing 2025 as the team's leading receiver as well. Jaeschke finished with 44 receptions for 551 yards and 8 TDs while adding a rushing TD. Even despite playing with 2 different QBs under Center, Jaeschke still was the most reliable target, using his sharp footwork from his DB role to create separation and excel in short-to-medium routes while being able to work well in space, showing quick agility and solid speed after the catch. Jaeschke should remain a vital asset for the Jaguars' offense, with the question being who will be the primary QB throwing the ball his way in 2026.     A change under Center in 2026 could affect the Wolfpack's offensive production, but whoever will start this upcoming season should benefit from a young receiver corps, with [player_tooltip player_id='2077440' first='Ryer' last='Roetman'] being one of their brightest young stars. Roetman led the Wolfpack last season with 517 receiving yards on 34 receptions and 5 TDs. A three sport athlete who participates in golf and basketball, Roetman has proven to be dynamic beyond just the gridiron, and despite not being particularly large as an outside receiver, his quick acceleration off the snap and solid footwork allows him to excel as a short-option who can create plays after the catch as well as consistently move the chains. Roetman should remain as a central piece for the Wolfpack's passing game in 2026.     Monticello has endured a sharp downfall over the last two seasons, culminating with a winless campaign in 2025, but easily their best overall player from last season despite the team's struggles was Isaac Kray. Kray led the team with 539 receiving yards on 44 receptions and 4 TDs while also adding a kick return TD. Kray was able to generate solid production despite working with 3 different starting QBs. I was quite impressed watching Kray's tape, noting his quickness on the field, being able to accelerate to maximum speed on the fly and scampering past the defense for a chunk gain. Kray's impressive speed and agility allows him to excel as a checkdown option and as a longer route-runner, being able to change directions quickly and shake off defenders to maximize his gains. Kray should not be overlooked, proving his worth as a speedy slot option who provides kick return value that could be an underrated asset at the next level.     Not often that freshmen appear on this list, but [player_tooltip player_id='1909614' first='Luis' last='Pineda'] proved himself immediately in his freshman season as a reliable asset in the passing game. His 43 receptions led all freshmen WRs in the state last season, while ranking 2nd among all freshmen with 490 receiving yards and scoring 2 TDs. He also served as the Huskies' primary kick return specialist and adds value as a placekicker. Pineda is another short but swift athlete who can stretch the field both horizontally and vertically, showing solid speed and is slippery after the catch, putting consistent effort in maximizing the yardage for each play he makes. Pineda should quickly become a core asset for the Huskies as one of their primary playmakers going forward.

Moving on in our search of the top pass-catchers in Iowa entering the 2026 season, we move up to Class 2A Iowa, which boasted one of the strongest receiver groups in the state, tying with the 8-man league for 1st in the state last season with 26 receivers amassing over 500+ receiving yards, as well as matching Class 5A with the most 1000+ yard receivers last season with 3. A good portion of those top receivers from last season will be returning to dominate the 2A conference once again in 2026. We take a look at 8 receivers in Class 2A Iowa to watch out for this upcoming season!