IA Class 4A WR/TE Watchlist for 2026

Moving up today to Class 4A Iowa, the conference is filled with prominent playmakers in the passing game, and a great number of the leading receivers from last season will be at the forefront of this group, looking to rack up huge numbers once again this upcoming year. We take a look at 7 receivers across Class 4A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='1197479' first='David' last='William'] has been on a heater over the last 2 seasons, prevailing as the Tornadoes' most prominent piece of a struggling unit during that time. William led the 4A conference last season with 58 receptions while finishing 2nd with 987 receiving yards (17 YPC) and 10 TDs. A dynamic and durable target, William utilizes his 6'2" frame to full advantage, showcasing some of the best ball skills among all receivers across the state, excelling as a medium-to-deep route runner who can catch the ball through contact and through double and even triple-teams. William proves flexible playing both in the slot and at outside receiver, clearly showcasing the speed and strong hands to excel as a WR, and even with a change at QB entering his senior year, William should remain to be the centerpiece of their offense.     The ultimate all-purpose weapon for the Yellow Jackets, [player_tooltip player_id='1358941' first='Braxton' last='Parks'] has already proven himself to be a stud as a two-way threat. Parks led the offense with 781 receiving yards on 53 receptions and 10 TDs in just his sophomore season. Parks also recorded 3 INTs in the secondary in 2025. Standing out in the slot, Parks is one of the fastest playmakers across all of Iowa, being able to burn defenders over the seams and when he gets past the last line of defense, there is simply no catching him. Parks was consistently able to stretch the field as a vertical threat, working at his best when running deep over the middle of the field behind the secondary. Parks will look to develop more refined route-running skills to further embolden his threat as a dangerous slot option going forward.     A talented three-sport athlete playing football, track, and basketball, [player_tooltip player_id='2088163' first='Hayden' last='Schulte'] has proven himself as a stud for the Wildcats, and that athleticism has translated particularly well as a stellar No. 1 WR on the gridiron. Schulte led the team with 626 receiving yards on 38 receptions (16.5 YPC) and 9 TDs. A reliable slot WR who flashes impressive speed and an electric burst off the snap, Schulte is effective as a short-route runner who can rack up big yardage after the catch. Schulte works best in space, proving elusive and slippery to tackle, making him effective in the passing game, in jet sweep/reverse runs, and in the kick/punt return game. Schulte will remain to be the focal point in the passing game for QB [player_tooltip player_id='1652778' first='CJ' last='Haug'] as they both enter their senior campaigns.     With a shakeup offensively in 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='1871188' first='Ryan' last='Block'] emerged out of nowhere to become a vital piece for the Lancers' offense which took a bit of step back compared to previous seasons. Block finished with 632 receiving yards on 46 receptions and 5 TDs. It's impressive that Block had only started to see playing time offensively this season, as Block's size, length, and strong hands made him look like a seasoned veteran compared to his peers, consistently winning outside with his 1-on-1 matchups, as well as being able to improvise his routes on the fly to match where his QB is going, creating openings down the field with his awareness and smart game-sense. Block should remain difficult for opponents to block and is primed to receive several offers entering his senior season.     An oversized WR who has the frame and length to make a smooth transition to the TE position, [player_tooltip player_id='2048995' first='Logan' last='Van Den Broek'] broke out in a big way during his junior season. After finishing with just 1 reception as a sophomore, Van Den Broek was the leading receiver for the Dutch in 2025, finishing with 546 receiving yards on 27 receptions (20.2 YPC) and 7 TDs. With a 4.6 40 yard time, Van Den Broek boasts impressive speed for his size, and it adds to his danger factor considering that he already poses as a physical mismatch against DBs and LBs alike combined with his quickness makes him a nightmare for defenses to go against. Proving pivotal in Pella's run as the 4A runner-up, Van Den Broek will likely be due for a plethora of offers entering his senior year, including some very serious D1 interest.     [player_tooltip player_id='1596629' first='Gianni' last='Gary'] immediately impressed as one of the Trojans' leading receivers as a freshman, and in the midst of a winless campaign last season, Gary continued to take strides in his progression as a stellar WR prospect. Gary finished with 518 receiving yards on 31 receptions (16.7 YPC) and 3 TDs in 2025. Gary also recorded 41.5 tackles, 2 FFs, and 2 FRs on defense and averaged 25.4 yards per return on 19 kick returns last season. Gary is a dynamic athlete who's speed is nearly unmatched, being able to get behind the secondary and create big plays down the field while also being reliable catching in space and working after the catch. Proving himself as an all-purpose threat for the Trojans, Gary will undeniably be their most coveted prospect to watch out for over the next few seasons.     With No. 1 WR Bryce Burke graduating this offseason, [player_tooltip player_id='1760678' first='Brady' last='Cathcart'] will have a lot on his plate in 2026 as he moves up into the vacant spot left by Burke. Cathcart showed a lot of promise last season, finishing with 453 receiving yards on 36 receptions and 4 TDs. He also recorded 41.5 tackles and 3 INTs on defense. While DB may be Cathcart's primary and preferred position going forward, he's flashed just as much talent on the offensive side as well, with strong footwork and change of direction abilities that translated well from defense to offense, and he possesses some impressive hands and ball skills, being able to high point over defenders in 1-on-1 matchups and make some impressive contested catches through contact. Cathcart's value should continue to increase as he excels at both positions, and should solidify his presence among the Comets as a leader for the group entering his senior campaign.

Moving up today to Class 4A Iowa, the conference is filled with prominent playmakers in the passing game, and a great number of the leading receivers from last season will be at the forefront of this group, looking to rack up huge numbers once again this upcoming year. We take a look at 7 receivers across Class 4A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!