Editors note: This is the third installment in the eight-part “YPS Top 50” series from Your Prep Sports highlighting 50 of the top returning football players for the 2026 season.

Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

The YPS Top 50 is an eight-story series that highlights 50 of the top returning football players in the Your Prep Sports area by position group.

The first two editions in the series have featured the top returning quarterbacks and running backs in the area.

Today the series shifts to the pass catchers as Your Prep Sports takes a look at eight of the best receivers and tight ends in the area.

In the coming days five other position groups – offensive line, defensive line, linebackers, defensive backs and special teams – will all be featured.

Here is a look at some of the best returning pass catchers in the area.

Tate Wallace

Senior, Regina

A two-way standout, Wallace is a menace defensively as either a defensive end or linebacker which is where the Minnesota recruit is projected to play at the next level.

However, on a Regina team with a first-year starter at quarterback that will need to replace five of its top six receivers from last season Wallace may be even more valuable for the Regals on offense.

The second ranked player in the state by 247Sports Wallace is equally dominant on both sides of the ball.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Wallace had 49.5 tackles including 18 for loss and 8.5 sacks last season while also leading the Regals in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

A nightmare matchup for defenders with his combination of size and speed, the sure-handed Wallace caught 40 passes for 611 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns last season.

Over the past three seasons Wallace has caught 126 passes for 1,793 yards and 21 touchdowns while helping the Regals to a combined 30-5 record during that span.

Wallace has also accumulated 99.5 career tackles with 23.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Chayse Newton

Senior, City High

One of the most productive receivers in the state over the past two seasons Newton is coming off a breakthrough junior season in which he cemented his status as one of the top pass catchers in the state.

Newton ranked in the top 11 in Class 5A in both receptions and receiving yards last season on his way to earning first team all-district honors.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Newton led City High in receptions (60), receiving yards (728) and receiving touchdowns (6) last season ranking fourth in 5A in receptions and 11^th in receiving yards.

Newton had three or more receptions in eight of nine games last season and had six or more receptions six times.

The speedy Newton closed the season on a tear with three consecutive 100-yard games, catching 20 passes for 365 yards and six touchdowns in the final six games.

Newton enters the final season of his prep career with 96 receptions for 1,154 yards and nine touchdowns.

Pryor Reiners

Senior, Liberty High

After making a splash on defense in his debut season in 2024 Reiners emerged as one of the most dangerous pass catchers in the state last season earning all-state honors after ranking in the top 15 in 5A in both receptions and receiving yards.

Reiners ranked eighth on the team with 31 tackles as a sophomore in 2024.

Last season Reiners excelled on both sides of the ball but made his biggest impact on offense as he led the Lightning in receptions (55), receiving yards (631) and receiving touchdowns (7).

Reiners was a second-team Class 5A all-state pick as a receiver after ranking eight in 5A in receptions and 14^th in 5A in receiving yards.

A versatile offensive weapon the 5-foot-11, 175-pound Reiners also rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown while averaging 4.9 yards per carry.

Maddox Kelley

Senior, Solon

One of the most productive pass catchers in Class 3A over the past two seasons Kelley is coming off an all-state junior season in which he ranked in the top six in 3A in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Kelley was a first-team Class 3A all-state pick after catching 50 passes for 702 yards and a 3A-leading 14 touchdowns while helping the Spartans to an 11-1 record and a spot in the 3A semifinals.

A versatile offensive weapon Kelley also rushed for 371 yards and a team-high 12 touchdowns last season while averaging 5.8 yards per carry.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Kelley has led Solon in receiving each of the past two seasons racking up 104 receptions for 1,377 yards and 21 touchdowns.

A two-way standout, Kelley ranked fourth on the team with 41 tackles, led the Spartans with six interceptions, averaged 18.3 yards per kick off return and 15.6 yards per punt return.

Tay Seals

Senior, Clear Creek Amana

Among the top track and field athletes in the state Seals had his breakthrough on the gridiron last fall when he led Clear Creek Amana in receptions and receiving yards.

The 5-foot-10, 145-pound Seals is among the most electric players in the state.

Last season Seals caught 27 passes for 335 yards and three touchdowns showing solid route running to compliment his elite speed.

Seals was also a major threat on special teams averaging an impressive 39.7 yards per kick off return while returning two kicks for touchdowns and averaging 14.8 yards on four punt returns.

Seals also had 21 tackles including a tackle for loss as a defensive back.

Leo Rozz

Senior, Liberty High

Another in a strong group of returning offensive skill position players for the Lightning Rozz is coming off an impressive junior season in which he ranked fourth on the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

In his first season of extended action Rozz caught 28 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns while helping Liberty High to a 5A runner-up finish.

A precise route runner, the 5-foot-8 Rozz showed good elusiveness and a quick first step last season and also rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.

Kaden Hoeper

Senior, Solon

Hoeper teamed with Kelley to give the Spartans one of the best receiving duos in the state last season earning second team Class 3A all-state honors after ranking in the top-15 in 3A in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Hoeper is a nearly unstoppable matchup for opposing defenders with the size to make contested catches and the speed to be a deep threat.

Last season Hoeper averaged 16.5 yards per receptions while ranking second on the team with 42 receptions for 691 yards and nine touchdowns.

Hoeper ranked seventh in 3A in receiving yards and tied for fourth in receiving touchdowns and also had 22.5 tackles and an interception as a defensive back.

Owen Bock

Junior, Solon

Last season Bock was overshadowed by the play of all-state teammates Kelley, Hoeper and Cody Milliman who combined for 127 receptions good for 1,909 yards and 27 touchdowns but still managed to put together his own impressive sophomore season.

Bock ranked fourth on the team with 13 receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns and averaged a team-best 20.4 yards per reception.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Bock showed strong hands and breakaway speed last season in his debut season and should see his numbers soar with increased opportunities this fall.

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