Who Will Be Illinois' Top High School Football Wide Receiver in 2025-2026?

Illinois High School Football: Top Returning Wide Receivers for the 2025-2026 Season

As the countdown to the 2025-2026 high school football season continues, fans and analysts are turning their attention to the top returning wide receivers in Illinois. This group represents some of the most talented and productive players in the state, with many poised to make a significant impact this year. While the talent pool is deep, these athletes have proven themselves through consistent performance and standout statistics.

Key Players to Watch

Ryan Franze (Johnsburg)

Franze, a junior, was one of the youngest all-state selections by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) last season. He recorded 860 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games, averaging 13.17 yards per catch on 66 receptions.

Devyon Hill-Lomax (Edwardsville)

Hill-Lomax, a senior, will be heading to Missouri after earning three-star recruit status. Despite only 18 receptions in nine games, he averaged 18.9 yards per catch and scored four touchdowns.

Cade Cunningham (Normal University)

Cunningham caught 69 passes for 1,235 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games, averaging 17.9 yards per catch and 95 yards per game.

Kendall Lucas (Corliss STEM)

Lucas, a senior, earned 5A all-state honorable mention with 40 catches for 985 yards and 13 touchdowns. His versatility extended to defense, where he had five interceptions and returned four kicks for touchdowns.

Eli Jackson (Carmel)

Jackson had a breakout season, catching 59 passes for 813 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games, averaging 73.9 yards per game and 13.8 yards per catch.

Lyzale Edmon (Bradley Bourbonnais Community)

Edmon, a 7A all-state selection, averaged 16.9 yards per catch with 29 receptions, including a long of 55 yards and eight touchdowns. He also returned four kicks for touchdowns and had 15 total TDs.

Hartles Holman (Cahokia)

Holman led Cahokia in receiving with 932 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore, helping the team reach the 4A state quarterfinals. With a new quarterback in 2025, his talent should help ease the transition.

Trenton Walker (Nazareth Academy)

Walker, a three-star recruit, caught 77 passes for 1,420 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading Nazareth Academy to the 5A state championship.

Zach Smith (Maroa-Forsyth)

Smith caught 78 passes for 1,145 yards and 13 touchdowns in 14 games, helping the Trojans reach the 2A state finals.

Jackson Gronewold (Farmington Central)

Gronewold, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound receiver, helped Farmington Central reach the 2A state semifinals, recording 1,518 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns.

MarQuan Brewster (Fremd)

Brewster averaged 101.5 yards per game and 17.71 yards per catch, catching 63 passes for 1,116 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior.

Kohnor Depew (Vandalia)

Depew averaged 18.98 yards per reception, earning 2A all-state honors with 854 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

Nasir Rankin (Morgan Park)

Rankin, a four-star recruit committed to Illinois, averaged 24.78 yards per catch with 40 receptions for 991 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Jacob Harvey (Mt. Zion)

Harvey, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver, had 58 receptions for 1,112 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 19.17 yards per catch.

Matthew Osterman (DePaul College Prep)

Osterman, a junior, averaged 16.7 yards per catch, catching 684 yards and 10 touchdowns while playing alongside a star senior.

Laron Baker Jr. (East St. Louis)

Baker, a highly recruited three-star prospect, has nearly 20 offers and is expected to have a big year after recording 401 yards on 29 catches as a sophomore.

Max Hembrey (Grant Community)

Hembrey, a big-play threat, averaged 23 yards per catch with 966 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Davon Grant (DeKalb)

Grant, a three-star recruit committed to Illinois, earned Class 7A all-state honors with 67 receptions for 1,016 yards.

Kale Thurman (Springfield)

Thurman, a two-way star, tallied 855 yards receiving across nine games, scoring seven touchdowns and averaging 13.36 yards per catch.

Cash Lynch (Pana)

Lynch, a 2A all-state selection, caught 10 touchdown passes in 12 games, averaging 14.3 yards per catch.

Zach Washington (St. Francis)

Washington, a dominant junior receiver, racked up 1,450 yards and 16 touchdowns, committing to Michigan State with 20 offers in hand.

Austin Coles (Barrington)

Coles, a junior, averaged 20.74 yards per catch, tallying 892 yards and six touchdowns in just nine games.

Tre Hoggard (Tolono Unity)

Hoggard, a junior, averaged under 17 yards per catch, pulling in 86 receptions for 1,461 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Brett Berggren (Batavia)

Berggren, a senior, averaged 18.11 yards per catch, finishing with 851 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Luke Doyle (Benet Academy)

Doyle, a two-way player, caught 48 passes for 892 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing 4.34 speed.

Blaise Lavista (Lincoln-Way East)

Lavista, a three-star recruit, averaged 131.5 yards per game and 24.12 yards per catch, joining Trenton Walker as one of the state’s top uncommitted senior receivers.

Kortez “Tez” Rupert (East St. Louis)

Rupert, a three-star recruit committed to Indiana, averaged 23 yards per catch with 660 yards and eight touchdowns.

Quentin Burrell (Mt. Carmel)

Burrell, a four-star recruit, caught 75 passes for 1,257 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning nearly 30 offers.

Keaton Reinke (St. Charles North)

Reinke, a three-star Northwestern commit, recorded 1,218 yards and 16 touchdowns in 11 games, averaging 15.22 yards per catch.

Final Thoughts

The 2025-2026 season promises to be an exciting one for Illinois high school football fans, with these standout receivers set to make a significant impact. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite player in the poll, which will close on July 12. The goal is to celebrate the talent in the state and engage fans as the season approaches.