10 sophomore wide receivers who are lighting up Friday nights

Sophomore high school football wide receivers around the country are going out wide or into the slot on varsity earlier than ever, proving they can get open and score touchdowns against the best teams in the country. We spotlight 10 of the most impressive 2028 pass catchers so far this 2025 season below:

Brysen Wright – Mandarin (Fla.)

After the kind of off-season that opened the eyes of the country to the super talented sophomore wide receiver, Wright has followed that up by backing it up on the high school gridiron.

The four-star wide receiver has done it all for Mandarin this season, with Wright catching 31 passes for 721 yards and seven touchdowns. Wright has also seen plenty of time on the defensive side of the ball as well, notching 36 tackles and intercepting two passes.

Braylon Clark – Charlotte Country Day (N.C.)

Clark has been one of the best wide receivers in the state of North Carolina and has proven it on a weekly basis for the 5-1 Buccaneers.

At 6-foot-3, 185-pound wide receiver has put up some strong numbers to would rival many, with Clark catching 40 passes for 695 yards and eight touchdowns. The four-star wide receiver has been a menace to opposing defenses, including a nine-catch, 202-yard, three touchdown effort in a 35-7 win over Christ the King earlier in the season.

Trey Wimbley – DW Daniel (S.C.)

The 6-foot, 175-pound wide receiver is ranked No. 15 by the Rivals Industry Rankings when it comes to wide receivers out of the 2028 class and there’s a lot to like about his play on the field.

Wimbley ranks among the leaders in South Carolina in receiving yardage and touchdowns through seven games. The sophomore wide receiver has caught 30 passes for 625 yards and eight touchdowns this fall, while also adding over 200 via special teams for the Lions.

Eric McFarland – IMG Academy (Fla.)

Playing already with another talented sophomore in quarterback Jayden Wade, both he and McFarland have made the perfect pairing at IMG Academy for seasons to come. For opposing defenses, it’s a nightmare to gameplan for.

McFarland has shown his versatility not only going downfield, but also on jet sweeps, pop passes and even just taking hand-offs. Through six games, McFarland has caught 20 passes for 414 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

Roye Oliver – Hamilton (Ariz.)

Whether its taking a short pass and getting some yards after the catch or taking you deep on a 9 route, Oliver is one dangerous sophomore wide receiver that defenses in Arizona just don’t want to deal with.

The main target of quarterback Jax Sculley, Oliver has been as good as advertised anytime he takes the field for Hamilton, having already caught 45 passes for 822 yards and scoring 19 touchdowns. There’s little doubt that Oliver is one of the Grand Canyon’s best wide receivers, regardless of class.

Jett Harrison – St. Joseph’s Prep School (Pa.)

Son of former NFL wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who starred for the Indianapolis Colts and was eventually inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, the sophomore is one of the top pass catchers out of the Northeast.

Harrison had one of his biggest games of the seasons when the Hawks went up against No. 3 nationally ranked St. Frances Academy (Md.) and scored four touchdowns. The four-star 6-foot-1, 175-pound receiver remains one of the top performers on Friday nights out of Pennsylvania.

Tyree Mannings – Venice (Fla.)

Yes, a third Florida sophomore wide receiver, but we just honestly couldn’t leave off one of the top pass catchers out of the Sunshine State.

Mannings has been superb stepping into the No. 1 receiver role after Winston Watkins Jr. graduated and has built a strong connection with quarterback Darryon Jones. The Indians’ dynamo has hauled in 52 passes for 788 yards and five touchdowns.

Damarion Mays – North Crowley (TX)

Mays posted some massive numbers his freshman season at Life Oak Cliff, notching 68 grabs for 1,640 yards and 14 touchdowns. Transferring over to defending Class 6A, Division I state champion North Crowley, Mays has remained one of the top wide receivers in the Lone Star State this season.

Arguably Mays’ top performance came in Week 3 against Guyer, catching five passes for 188 yards and a touchdown.

Darren Tubbs – St. John Bosco (Calif.)

Amongst a very talented wide receiving corps over at St. John Bosco that includes Madden Williams and Daniel Odom, Tubbs has stood out on the nation’s No. 1 ranked team.

The Braves are undefeated and some of that can be attributed to the level of play from their receivers. Tubbs has been impressive alongside Williams, Odom and has hauled in 16 passes for 328 yards and five touchdowns. Playing primarily in the slot, Tubbs is a tough cover for any nickel or linebacker in pass coverage.

TJ Maddox – Winslow Township (N.J.)

The 6-foot-1, 192-pound three-star wide receiver has proven himself on one of New Jersey’s top high school football programs this season.

With the ability to make tough catches in traffic or getting vertical, Maddox has been the all-around package for the Eagles this fall campaign. Maddix through six games is second on the team in catches with 21 passes for 295 yards and three scores.

How to Follow National High School Football

For national high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals National High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals National High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the country.