The second-ranked receiver in the state of Iowa’s 2026 class, Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Valley | 2026 State IA showed off some of his best attributes last Friday. The first play that stands out was a third-and-medium where Brown ran a slant into the middle of the Waukee Northwest defense, finding a hole and catching the quick-zip pass from quarterback Drake DeGroote Drake DeGroote 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Valley | 2026 State IA to keep the drive going.

Second, another catch over the middle that set up a one-yard score for the Valley offense, Brown snagged a crossing route on the one-yard line and got popped but held onto the ball for the catch. He finished the game with four catches for 51 yards.

A deep threat that can find holes in the zone and make plays in the open field off receiver screens, Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Valley | 2026 State IA is one of the more dynamic receivers in the state. At 6’1″ and 175 pounds, he’s not a bona fide X-receiver, slot or possession receiver and can serve an offense as more of a jack of all trades type pass-catcher.

One of the most productive receivers in the 5A last season, Brown caught 42 passes for 626 yards and six scores. With the graduation of Xzavion Robinson, who is headed to Iowa State, he’ll have the chance at a major breakout campaign this fall. Thus far, Brown holds offers from Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Western Illinois, South Dakota, North Dakota, South Dakota State and North Dakota State.

Brown has steadily developed within a talented receiver room during the first three years of his prep career. As he’s become a more consistent, reliable player at the position, his production has followed suit. With graduation losses, Brown likely moves into the WR1 role for the Tigers. As we can see during his junior highlight video, he did a lot of really good things in 2024. Brown impressed the heck out of me during an in-person scout at the state semifinals last November at the UNI-Dome. He was working out of the slot a lot, delivering crisp routes and showing the versatility as a complete receiver. Brown can get deep or work the middle of the field. He makes people miss in space, and is a willing and able blocker. He wrapped up his 11th-grade year with 42 receptions for 626 yards and six touchdowns. Expect those numbers to rise in 2025 with his experience and connection with the starting quarterback.

Jayden Brown Jayden Brown 6'1" | 175 lbs | WR Valley | 2026 State IA is a stellar receiver who’s stood out playing for a perennial contender in Valley WDM. Brown built off a solid sophomore debut to finish with 626 yards on 42 catches and 6 touchdowns. Brown utilizes his 4.6 40 yard speed to full advantage, and he always looked like the fastest player on the field on tape. Lining up in both the slot and outside, Brown excels in both roles thanks to his sharp route-running and his ability to go up and make a catch through contact. Brown will take over the No. 1 WR duties in his senior season, where he should be primed for a huge campaign in 2025.