The Guardian Foundation Repair top preseason receiver award for the 2026 Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) season is now open for voting, with the deadline set for noon on June 25. The honor spotlights the most promising pass‑catchers across the state, inviting fans, coaches and media to weigh in on who will lead the upcoming campaign.
A deep field of contenders
Fifteen rising seniors have been identified as the primary candidates, each bringing a distinct statistical profile that reflects a vibrant receiving corps. Their performances from the 2025 campaign provide a snapshot of the talent pool that will shape the 2026 narrative.
Stat lines that stand out
Ethan Bryant of Heritage logged 39 catches for 477 yards and six touchdowns, while Jamir Dean from Alcoa topped the passing charts with 53 receptions, 1,141 yards and 16 scores. Colton Foust at Maryville added 31 grabs for 456 yards and five touchdowns, and Malik Howard of Oak Ridge, a PrepXtra second‑team pick, amassed 778 yards and 11 touchdowns on 53 catches.
Trevor Kibler at Tellico Plains set a school record with 12 touchdowns and 549 yards, and DeZion Jackson from Powell broke the single‑season receiving record with 1,212 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Noel Meza‑Flores of Eagleton contributed 628 yards and six scores on 38 catches, while Dasani Moulden from Concord Christian, a freshman, recorded 51 catches for 798 yards and six touchdowns.
Parker Newman of Sevier County finished with 78 receptions, 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Jaxson Perry added 532 yards and eight scores on 39 catches. Gavin Robinson from William Blount tallied 659 yards and four touchdowns on 44 catches, while JJ Sackie of Central posted 42 catches for 748 yards and five touchdowns.
Jackson Savarese at Gatlinburg‑Pittman reached 922 yards and eight touchdowns on 68 receptions, Davonte Scruggs of Carter posted 476 yards and two scores on 43 catches, and Sam Sexton from Campbell County added 515 yards and two touchdowns on 38 catches. Kaden Webber capped the 2025 season with 490 yards and six touchdowns on 28 catches for Grace Christian.
Beyond the numbers
Several of the standouts have already committed to major college programs, signaling that their high school performances are merely a prelude to what may become collegiate careers. The mix of size, speed and route precision suggests that the upcoming season could redefine the expectations for receivers in Tennessee.
Voting will remain open until noon on June 25, giving the public a brief window to influence the preseason narrative. The eventual winner will not only receive recognition but also shape early conversations about offensive strategies and player development across the state.