Newly-Ranked 2028 WRs

We just dropped our updated 2028 rankings, and we're starting our positional breakdowns by looking at the newest players in the rankings. After going <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/behind-the-scenes-of-the-2028-rankings-spring/">behind the scenes</a> of the 2028 class update, we're looking at the 10 newly-ranked wide receivers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Which Wide Receivers Were Added to the 2028 Rankings?</h2>   Editor's Note: Check out our other newly-ranked position pieces:   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-qbs/">QBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-rbs/">RBs</a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/05/newly-ranked-2028-ol/">OL</a>    Gibbs hasn't played a ton over the last two seasons, but he has immense upside, and if he's completely healthy, he could be one of the top wideouts in the state. He's an excellent deep threat, with the ability to get behind defenses and make plays with the ball in the air.     In talking to the Grimsley coaching staff, Cooper is a player that people outside the program aren't talking enough about. He had just found his groove last season when an injury forced him to miss the rest of the year. This year, he might be the No. 1 option in an offense that should put up plenty of points. Don't be surprised if he sits close to the top of the 7A receiving leaderboard.     When I broke down the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/top-8-wrs-in-alamance-chatham-lee-county/">top receivers in Alamance County</a>, I found myself liking Clark far more than I thought I would. His body control, both as a ball-carrier and at the catch point, is excellent and he's able to use his size to his advantage. He's excellent with the ball in the air, and probably has a bit more upside after the catch than he gets credit for.     I think Bear Grass Charter could be one of the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/way-too-early-1a-top-10/">top teams in the 1A classification</a> this year, and Johnson will have the chance to be a part of that. He's a two-way, multi-sport athlete, but could find a home at receiver. He's electric with the ball in his hands, and I think he'll see a jump in touches next season.     Murdock had a solid season Harnett Central last year and has moved to Millbrook this season. He has excellent size, not just in terms of height, but he's also a load to bring down in the open field. I'm not sure what the Millbrook receiver rotation will look like, but they lacked size on the outside last year, and Murdock could fill an important role for the state title contenders.     An all-around offensive and defensive weapon, Brunson had over 300 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards in 2025. He was also one of Thomasville's leading tacklers, had two pick-sixes, and returned a kickoff for a touchdown. I think a coaching change at Thomasville could get his recruitment kick-started, and he's a guy we expect to hear from again in 2026.     Operating primarily out of the slot, Moon had a great sophomore season, making the all-conference team. He's an effective route runner against zone coverage due to his feel for defenses. I like young slot guys with size and speed, so Moon checks a lot of boxes. He also has a frame that suggests he'll continue to grow, and we could see him taking another step forward in 2026.     Graham didn't have a ton of opportunities in James Kenan's run-first system last year, but the rising junior has good hands and route-running nuance. He does a lot of the finer things right: creating leverage, separating off the line, making defenders guess, and that suggests that he could see his production and recruitment take off in 2028.     Haynes can absolutely fly, with a 4.32 laser-timed 40 at our <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/sklz-fastest-athletes-from-football-city-clash/">PRZ Football Clash</a> in Rock Hill earlier this offseason. He's flown a bit under the radar, but he did have almost 500 yards this season for Eastern Guilford. The Wildcats do a good job of getting the ball in his hands on jet sweeps and on special teams, but he has the ability to shake defenders down the field, as well.     Byrd is newer to our radar, but was impressive when he showed up at the CFI Showcase and took home one of the top receiver awards. He's a smaller guy with a ton of wiggle and the ability to create separation both before and after the catch.    There's plenty to come from Matt Morrow, Joshua Graham, and me on the 2028 rankings over the next week. Stay locked in with Prep Redzone for more insights, evaluations, and rankings updates. Want to share Prep Redzone with a friend? Promo code Helms30 will get them 30% off their first billing cycle for any subscription.

We just dropped our updated 2028 rankings, and we're starting our positional breakdowns by looking at the newest players in the rankings. After going behind the scenes of the 2028 class update, we're looking at the 10 newly-ranked wide receivers.