The 2026 Tennessee high school football season is shaping up with a wealth of talent at the receiver and tight end positions, especially in the Knoxville area, where returning standouts are poised to make significant impacts.
Key Players to Watch
Among the most prolific pass catchers is Ethan Bryant of Heritage, who logged 39 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns last year, establishing himself as a reliable target in the offense.
At Alcoa, Jamir Dean emerged as the leading receiver with 53 catches, 1,141 yards and 16 touchdowns, a performance that not only topped his team but also placed him among the region’s most dangerous weapons.
Maryville’s Colton Foust added 31 grabs for 456 yards and five scores, while Oak Ridge’s Malik Howard, a PrepXtra second‑team selection, amassed 778 yards and 11 touchdowns on 53 catches, underscoring his elite status.
Other notable contributors include Trevor Kibler from Tellico Plains, who set a school record with 12 touchdowns and 549 yards, and DeZion Jackson of Powell, who broke the single‑season receiving record with 1,212 yards and 13 scores.
Freshman Dasani Moulden of Concord Christian surprised many with 51 catches for 798 yards and six touchdowns, while Parker Newman of Sevier County finished the year with 78 catches, 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The depth extends to players like Jaxson Perry of Sevier County, who posted 532 yards and eight touchdowns, and Gavin Robinson of William Blount, who led his team with 659 yards and four scores.
Additional standouts such as JJ Sackie from Central (42 catches, 748 yards, five TDs), Jackson Savarese of Gatlinburg‑Pittman (922 yards, eight TDs), Davonte Scruggs from Carter (476 yards, two TDs), Sam Sexton of Campbell County (515 yards, two TDs) and Kaden Webber of Grace Christian (490 yards, six TDs) round out a deep and competitive group.
Coaches across the region expect these athletes to not only boost their team’s offensive stats but also to attract attention from college recruiters, potentially shaping the next wave of scholarship opportunities for the area’s talent.