Ranked Receivers: Seniors to Watch in 2026

Let's keep the spotlight on the incoming senior class with a deeper look into some of the lower-ranked wide receivers who have a great opportunity to shine this fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1665345' first='Gaines' last='Howard'] is a great athlete for CAL. He's used a lot in the quick game, lining up in the slot for quick-hitters or running in motion on certain designed plays. Howard is also a vertical threat despite only standing 5'9". He's a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He makes hard cuts and takes long strides, which helps him beat defenders one-on-one and along the outside. Howard also demonstrated patience when following his blocks and vision while maneuvering himself around the opposing defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1715686' first='Jason' last='Hence'] is a playmaking WR for Collins. Last season, Hence caught 63 passes for 916 yards and eight touchdowns. That's good for 14.5 yards per reception. On the field, Hence is twitchy and hard to bring down. At 6'2", he's long, explosive, and is a high-effort player with or without the ball in his hands. He's showcased his ability to catch the ball in traffic as well as maintain possession through contact. He does a good job of being aware of his surroundings, meaning down and distance, as well as his location along the sideline. He has all the makings of a high-IQ player at the next level.     At 5'9" and 147 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='871923' first='Jayce' last='Duvall'] will likely be an undersized receiver at the next level. However, he more than makes up for his size with his abilities on the field. Between the lines, Duvall is an impressive threat in the vertical pass game and has soft hands when bringing in the football in contested situations. He's great at catching the ball over his shoulder in these scenarios, tucking the ball in without breaking stride. Duvall has a strong lower body and has great balance, so he isn't easily tripped up.     A three-sport athlete for Bullitt East, [player_tooltip player_id='1200565' first='Evan' last='Butler'] is a standout route-runner who does a good job of creating separation from himself and his defender. Butler is a playmaker with the ball, as demonstrated by an effective juke and spin move in the open field. He's one of the faster players at his position, running a sub-4.60 40-yard dash. This speed is on full display when he turns upfield for yards after the catch. These traits carry over to special teams, where he's also an effective kickoff returner.     [player_tooltip player_id='1200570' first='Haddon' last='Cecil'] is a tall, speedy, deep threat for George Rogers Clark in Winchester. Cecil has a great hesitation move that helps him create space from pressing DBs. He's able to turn on the afterburners once he has the ball in his hands, like a second wind once he tucks the ball and turns upfield. His height and leaping ability make him a wonderful option in contest catch situations, always giving his offense a chance to move the sticks. Cecil has also proven to be a good blocker on the outside.

Let's keep the spotlight on the incoming senior class with a deeper look into some of the lower-ranked wide receivers who have a great opportunity to shine this fall.