WVU commit, and 2026 Nitro WR Malachi Thompson Malachi Thompson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Nitro | 2026 State WV has continued to dominate as the Wildcats make their playoff push, putting together one of the most memorable performances of the season in the quarterfinals against North Marion with six catches for 266 yards and five touchdowns. That outing helped push his season totals to over 1,100 receiving yards and 16 scores, cementing his status as the centerpiece of Nitro’s explosive passing attack. Thompson’s ability to make game-changing plays in critical moments keeps him in contention for statewide honors like the Randy Moss Award, and he remains one of the top playmakers in West Virginia entering the postseason.

2026 Nitro WR and WVU commit Malachi Thompson Malachi Thompson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Nitro | 2026 State WV seems like he’s flying under the radar this season for the Wildcats as they earn the #5 seed for the playoffs. He may not be putting up his usual video game numbers as a senior in a loaded WR group, but Thompson is still one of the leading receivers in the state with just under 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns to date. If the Wildcats want to make it to the semifinals and beyond, they’ll need Thompson to take over games and showcase his dominant potential that he’s flashed throughout his career.

WVU commit and 2026 Nitro WR Malachi Thompson Malachi Thompson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Nitro | 2026 State WV has had to share more touches this season among a talented Wildcats’ receiving group, but is still producing. He has caught 25 passes for 443 yards and 6 touchdowns at the midpoint of the season, continuing his big-play ability that he has shown throughout his storied career. If Thompson finishes strong in the second half of the season, he’ll be in the mix again for the Randy Moss Award as the state’s best receiver.

Nitro will have the top receiver in the state again to utilize in their explosive offense in 2026 WR Malachi Thompson Malachi Thompson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Nitro | 2026 State WV . The 2024 Randy Moss Award winner and WVU commit posted over 1,500 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns last season and will put up similar numbers as a senior. His combination of size, athleticism, and ability makes him nearly impossible for defenses to cover in WV, and expect Thompson to see extra attention in games this year.

2026 Nitro WR Malachi Thompson Malachi Thompson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Nitro | 2026 State WV is much more than just his size but it’s hard to ignore his 6’4 200 frame as the ideal fit for this section. He’s been one of the leading receivers in the state the past two seasons and is beginning to garner the D1 attention we expected Thompson to see. As a junior, he caught 74 passes for nearly 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns and will finish his career as one of the most productive receivers in state history. With how fluid of an athlete he is, a move to TE doesn’t feel likely even with his size and frame, and Thompson should continue to be a daunting target on the outside at the next level.

Thompson was one of the best physically looking prospects at the event and stood out with his play on the field at a high level. While he has a strong catch radius and strong hands, it was his movement and athleticism which really stood out. He showed some really quick and twitch for a 6’4 prospect.

20. Malachi Thompson

The Randy Moss Award Winner and 2nd-ranked pass-catcher in all of West Virginia was present at this event.

6’4, looks closer to 6’5 in person. Was a man amongst boys, Malachi Thompson showed off a stride I didn’t expect out of him. Thompson caught a few balls underneath, yet his value came when attempting to stretch the field via posts/seams/nines. A big body who can get down the field in a hurry provided Snipes Jr. with a real target that could win 50/50 balls. Thompson did exactly that on 2/3 occasions, coming down with a handful of highlight plays 30+ yards out. You can see a few of Thompson’s impressive scores in this Marcus Snipes Jr. reel attached below. I could make the case he should be higher on this list.

Self represents as a WR/ATH. Currently listed at 6’4.5, 200 pounds, a bit up from the last time his measurables were updated. Is the Randy Moss Award winner. Ranks as the second-best wideout in West Virginia, fifth overall prospect. 3.4 GPA.

Racked up 1,600+ yards in receiving at Nitro as a junior, gaudy numbers. Can double as a TE, alignments at WR or TE are interchangeable. Registered a ridiculous 18 scores last Fall to boot. Eastern Kentucky and Marshall have extended offers to Thompson. Without a doubt, Thompson will be a must-watch player at this event.

2026 Nitro WR Malachi Thompson Malachi Thompson 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Nitro | 2026 State WV capped off another fantastic season in a tough loss to Bridgeport in the AAA quarterfinals. The junior hauled in 7 passes for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns against a loaded Indians squad. He topped his standout sophomore season in receptions and yards and totaled 1,593 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 74 receptions as he waits for his first D1 opportunity heading into the off-season.

Thompson saw double coverage in the contest after breaking a few big passes early in the game. Even as a bigger receiver, his speed is his best strength at this point in his development and he showcased that in round two with several long bombs on post routes. Thompson did a great job getting behind the secondary and finding space for his quarterback to hit him in stride.