IA Class 3A WR Watchlist for 2026

Moving up this week to Class 3A Iowa, the 3A level boasted a large amount of receivers who were very consistent and despite not a single receiver amassing the 1000+ yard receiving mark during the year, 23 players reached at least 500+ receiving yards to generate strong results in one of the tougher conferences in the state. The players on this list returning in 2026 are players from the top-end of those marks, with each of these players reaching at least 650+ yards over the course of the year, making it one of the most exciting returning groups to watch this upcoming year. We take a look at 8 receivers from Class 3A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    A change at QB could hurt [player_tooltip player_id='1850786' first='Jameson' last='Gregoire']'s numbers after an excellent junior campaign, but Gregoire remains at the forefront of a talented group of skill players for the Sabers' offense. Gregoire recorded 858 receiving yards on just 45 catches (19.1 YPC) and 11 TDs in 2025, taking huge steps forward after recording just 6 receptions his sophomore year. Gregoire looked much more refined and polished as a route-runner in his junior season, with a unique combination of lengthy size and blistering speed that should certainly excite scouts at the next level, combined with strong hands and ability to catch through traffic makes him, in my opinion, one of the most complete WRs in this recruiting class for Iowa. Gregoire should garner some serious D1 attention as he enters his senior campaign.     There's a lot to like about this Keokuk team despite back-to-back 3-6 campaigns, as they are fueled by a potent passing game that was aided by several young emerging stars in the lineup, among them being [player_tooltip player_id='1850280' first='Kurt' last='Joy']. Joy finished as the leading target, recording 47 receptions for 718 yards and 8 TDs last season. Joy will certainly need to bulk up a bit to fit into his frame better, but he showcases some great fundamentals for the position, being able to win vertically in 1-on-1 situations, running great horizontal routes and extending the play after the catch with quick acceleration and agility, and showing sharp footwork to reel in sideline passes. The connection between Joy and QB [player_tooltip player_id='1850235' first='Jadyn' last='Burton'] should be central toward the success of this Chiefs' offense as well as the team overall going forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] has been a star that's generally been on our radar for his all-purpose ability, as he is easily one of the best all-around athletes in the state. Kelley finished with 702 yards on 50 receptions while his 14 receiving TDs led the conference. Kelley also ran for 371 yards (5.8 YPC) and 12 TDs, added 6 INTs with 2 defensive TDs, and scored a punt return TD over the course of last season. Kelley has been the ultimate X-Factor, showcasing great footwork and lower body strength, while possessing blazing dynamic speed to make it clear that he is a danger to take the ball to the house whenever the ball is in his hands. Kelley recently received his first D1 offer from Drake, impressive noting his performance over the last 2 seasons, Kelley is bound to receive more over the coming months.     While overlooked by the success of Kelley's campaign, [player_tooltip player_id='1885005' first='Kaden' last='Hoeper'] has been just as important of a factor in the success for the Spartans' passing game. Hoeper finished with 691 yards on 42 receptions (16.5 YPC) and 9 TDs. A more prevalent outside WR, Hoeper shows great footwork and high-point ability on vertical throws to catch the ball over the DB in stride, being able to consistently stretch the field with his prowess as a deep-threat. Hoeper is able to get off the line well, showing good hand-fighting ability to get off pressing DBs, showing fluidity in his change of direction on his routes, and while not as fast as Kelley, flashes great breakaway speed after the catch. Even with a change at QB for the Spartans in 2026, Solon boasts one of the strongest WR duos returning onto the field across Iowa for the 2026 season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1884963' first='Holden' last='Hlavacek'] provided plenty of playmaking value for the Mustangs' offense, though 2026 may be a challenge with the loss of several key starters on the offense this offseason. Hlavacek finished with 662 yards on 36 receptions (18.4 YPC) and 8 TDs in 2025. Hlavacek may need to bulk up on his size to succeed more on the outside, but he showcases excellent route-running ability to create openings in the short-to-medium game while using his impressive burst and speed to stretch defenses and outrun defenders after the catch that have allowed him to excel both as a receiver and as a kick returner. Hlavacek will remain an important piece for maintaining the Mustangs' offensive production as they undergo a shakeup this offseason.     With [player_tooltip player_id='1656865' first='Eli' last='Fuller'] confidently proving himself as a core component of the Panthers' offense immediately as a sophomore, Fuller saw an uptick in targets in 2025, putting up strong numbers despite up-and-down performances within the passing game. Fuller recorded 51 receptions for 679 yards and 5 TDs. The 3-sport athlete for the Panthers flashed some impressive athleticism, including a 31" vertical jump, a 375 lb squat, and a 455 lb deadlift. Fuller utilizes his frame very well, showing nimble agility and sneaky footwork to create separation outside and showcasing great high-point ability to nab jump-balls over the DBs' head, making him a dangerous vertical threat. Fuller has generated attention from several D1 and D2 teams over this offseason, and it will be intriguing to see who makes the first move in offering Fuller at the next level.     Despite entering his junior season as a QB, [player_tooltip player_id='1246757' first='Cade' last='Olberding'] took a shift in his role, accepting a move to WR and OLB to better utilize his athleticism, and it worked very well over this last season. Olberding finished with 657 receiving yards on 42 receptions and 9 TDs last season. There is no denying Olbdering's athletic potential, with some really impressive testing numbers, including a 34.2" vertical jump, a 405 lb max squat, a 255 lb max bench, and a 4.68 40 yard time. That athleticism translated much better at the WR position, becoming the favorite target for his successor at QB, Karsen Kalous, with his sharp route-running and ability to reel down some difficult passes through contact making him a reliable presence for Kalous, and helping elevate the Cadets' offense from the last few seasons. The combination of Olberding and Kalous will look to elevate the Cadets back to winning ways as they both enter their senior seasons.     While the Panthers unfortunately took a step back with their performance in 2025, they were able to still generate a lot of yardage offensively, with Jace Purdum emerging almost out of nowhere to become the most reliable target in their passing game. After just 3 receptions in his sophomore season, Purdum broke out with 45 receptions for 661 yards and 6 TDs. Despite playing on a heavy run-offense, Purdum flashed on the outside with sharp footwork, being able to stop and go on a dime, while taking long strides to outpace defenders down the field, being able to stretch the field as a vertical threat to balance out their versatile run-game. Purdum should remain the top target for the Panthers' entering his senior season as they look to regroup and set their path in the right direction.

Moving up this week to Class 3A Iowa, the 3A level boasted a large amount of receivers who were very consistent and despite not a single receiver amassing the 1000+ yard receiving mark during the year, 23 players reached at least 500+ receiving yards to generate strong results in one of the tougher conferences in the state. The players on this list returning in 2026 are players from the top-end of those marks, with each of these players reaching at least 650+ yards over the course of the year, making it one of the most exciting returning groups to watch this upcoming year. We take a look at 8 receivers from Class 3A Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!