The 2026 Mississippi high school football season is poised to kick off, and the Clarion Ledger has already begun spotlighting the players who are expected to dominate the receiving corps across both the MHSAA and MAIS classifications.
Standout Returners
Armond Adams of Franklin County arrives as the most prolific pass catcher from last year, having amassed 1,169 receiving yards, 80 receptions and 13 touchdowns, a performance that has attracted attention from several college programs.
Reed Bridges from Presbyterian Christian also returns with 56 catches for 889 yards and 12 scores, positioning him as a central figure in his team's offense.
Davis Carruth out of Oxford brings a versatile skill set, having logged 1,374 all‑purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns, underscoring his impact beyond the traditional receiving role.
Tez Danner of Hamilton contributed 1,089 receiving yards on 65 grabs and 14 touchdowns, a combination that has kept him on the radar of multiple recruiters.
Other notable names include De’Shawn Dillon of Northwest Rankin, who recorded 979 yards and six scores on 67 receptions, and Jouston Foster from Murrah, who posted 846 yards and five touchdowns; both are expected to shape their teams' aerial attacks.
The list also features standout performers such as Javarious Griffin Jr. of Cleveland Central, who logged 1,070 all‑purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns, and Moonie Harris from Union, who added 922 yards and 12 scores. Tylan Hutchins of Madison Central, Sheldon Isaac of McComb, and Jermaine Jackson of Bruce each bring double‑digit touchdown potential.
Additional threats like Ayden Johnson of Winona, Hayes Leach of the Regents School of Oxford, Ja’Kayden Moore of Heidelberg, Easton Page of Leake Academy, Joshua Parker of Jackson Prep, Kam Ray of New Albany, KJ Roberts of Oak Grove, Damarion Smith of Wesson, Kydon Smith of Booneville, Trey Tippett of Louisville, Jordan Walley of D’Iberville and Chandler Watson of West Jones round out a deep and competitive field.
The breadth of talent extends to players such as Jordan Walley, who amassed 2,170 total offensive yards and 21 touchdowns, and Chandler Watson, who posted 1,440 receiving yards and 19 scores, highlighting the offensive explosiveness across the state.
Recruiting circles are already buzzing, with several of these athletes holding commitments or interest from major college programs including Tulane, Southern Miss, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, Troy, Army, Navy and a host of other universities.
As the new season approaches, coaches and analysts alike anticipate that these returning receivers will not only boost their team’s yardage but also influence the broader landscape of high school football in Mississippi, setting the stage for a memorable campaign.