TOP 2027 WIDE RECEIVER RECRUITS
College Football Now top 2027 wide receiver recruits features the best rising junior WR recruits in the world of CFB recruiting! (159)
Updated January 26th, 2026 at 10:32 a.m. EST
Updated January 26th, 2026 at 10:32 a.m. EST
2027 TOP WR RECRUITS
College Football Now 2027 top WR recruits are under evaluation year around with links to pertinent scouting data for CFB recruiters, coaches & fans nationally! (159)
S.T.E.P TOP WR RECRUIT SCORING SYSTEM
S.T.E.P™ WR EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
(Built directly from the original Scout Trout Elite WR prospect formula)
Scout Trout original formula:
(RR) + (RC) + (RP) + (BC) + (AD) + (CR) + (VP) = WR
In S.T.E.P terms, those traits roll up like this:
S — SUSTAINABILITY
Can the WR hold value snap-to-snap, drive-to-drive, season-to-season?
Components from your formula:
Sustainability measures repeatable impact. WRs who block, survive contact, and create after the catch stay on the field.
T — TECHNIQUE
How refined is the WR’s craft?
Components from your formula:
Technique is about how separation is created, not just athletic ability.
E — EXECUTION
Can the WR win in real game situations?
Components from your formula:
Execution measures real-time problem solving and finishing plays under pressure.
P — PRESENCE
Does the WR change how defenses play?
Components from your formula:
Presence is about gravity — defenders adjusting alignment, leverage, and coverage.
FINAL S.T.E.P™ WR TRAIT ALIGNMENT
Route Running (RR) Technique
Route Crispness (RC) Technique
Route Progression (RP) Execution
Body Control (BC) Execution
After Delivery (AD) Sustainability
Catch Radius (CR) Presence
Versatility & Physicality (VP) Sustainability + Presence
Why This Matters
(Built directly from the original Scout Trout Elite WR prospect formula)
Scout Trout original formula:
(RR) + (RC) + (RP) + (BC) + (AD) + (CR) + (VP) = WR
In S.T.E.P terms, those traits roll up like this:
S — SUSTAINABILITY
Can the WR hold value snap-to-snap, drive-to-drive, season-to-season?
Components from your formula:
- Versatility & Physicality (VP)
• Ability to line up outside, slot, motion, stack
• Blocking willingness and durability
• Physical play through contact - After Delivery (AD)
• YAC consistency
• Return-game impact
• Ability to extend plays after the catch
Sustainability measures repeatable impact. WRs who block, survive contact, and create after the catch stay on the field.
T — TECHNIQUE
How refined is the WR’s craft?
Components from your formula:
- Route Running (RR)
• Release package
• Burst vs press
• Hand usage off the line - Route Crispness (RC)
• Sharpness in and out of breaks
• Footwork efficiency
• Tempo control
Technique is about how separation is created, not just athletic ability.
E — EXECUTION
Can the WR win in real game situations?
Components from your formula:
- Route Progression (RP)
• Spatial awareness
• Working back to the ball
• Adjusting routes vs coverage - Body Control (BC)
• Mid-air adjustments
• Sideline awareness
• Balance through contact
Execution measures real-time problem solving and finishing plays under pressure.
P — PRESENCE
Does the WR change how defenses play?
Components from your formula:
- Catch Radius (CR)
• Vertical explosion
• Extension away from frame
• High-point dominance - Versatility & Physicality (VP) (shared category)
• Physical intimidation
• Willingness to do dirty work
• Trust factor on key downs
Presence is about gravity — defenders adjusting alignment, leverage, and coverage.
FINAL S.T.E.P™ WR TRAIT ALIGNMENT
Route Running (RR) Technique
Route Crispness (RC) Technique
Route Progression (RP) Execution
Body Control (BC) Execution
After Delivery (AD) Sustainability
Catch Radius (CR) Presence
Versatility & Physicality (VP) Sustainability + Presence
Why This Matters
- The Scout Trout Elite WR formula already predicted NFL translation
- S.T.E.P simply standardizes it across positions
- This allows:
- WR vs WR comparisons
- WR vs ATH crossover grading
- Portal + NIL + Draft alignment
2027 SYRACUSE WR COMMIT TRISTIN HUGHES
WR Tristin Hughes
6'1", 190
Rocky River HS
(OH)
GPA - 3.1
TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Syracuse 2027 WR/DB commit Tristin Hughes out of Rocky River HS (OH) is one of the most dynamic & versatile athletes in his class, bringing a rare blend of speed, power, and football IQ to the field. At 6’0” with a stout frame, Hughes has already posted elite testing numbers, including a verified 4.4 forty, 33-inch vertical, and 10’2” broad jump, which translate directly into his explosive playmaking ability. Offensively, Hughes is a polished route runner who can stretch the field vertically or make tough grabs in traffic thanks to his uncanny concentration and strong hands. He can also line up in the backfield, where his excellent vision and ability to weave through traffic while breaking arm tackles evoke shades of a young Anquan Boldin. Once the ball is in his hands, Hughes becomes a true home-run threat, whether as a receiver, runner, or in the return game, using his elite agility and uncanny athletic ability to vary speeds to keep defenders off balance. Defensively, he shows the instincts and range to excel as a defensive back, further highlighting his value as a high-level ATH prospect. Ultimately, his explosiveness and versatility on offense will make it difficult for Syracuse to keep him from becoming an immediate playmaker once he hits the field in the ACC. Hughes’ elite route-running, verified 4.4 speed, and strong hands in traffic make him a natural fit as a go-to wideout in the Orange offense. He can stretch the field vertically as a Z-receiver, forcing safeties to play deeper, while also excelling out of the slot where his agility and short-area quickness make him tough to cover in space. His ability to win contested catches and turn short receptions into explosive plays will allow Syracuse to feature him heavily in the passing game. Because of his ball carrier vision and power after contact, Hughes is a prime candidate to be used creatively in a hybrid role. Syracuse could line him up in the backfield for jet sweeps, reverses, and option looks, taking advantage of his ability to knife through traffic and run through tackles. His skill set would fit perfectly in packages designed to get the ball into his hands quickly and let him create chunk plays. With his elite change of direction, speed variation, and vision in the open field, Hughes projects as a dynamic return man from Day 1. Whether on kickoffs or punts, his ability to set up defenders and weave through coverage units gives Syracuse another game-breaking element. Although his offensive upside may be too high to pass up, Hughes also has the athleticism and instincts to contribute in the secondary if needed. His length, speed, and ball skills could make him a reliable corner or safety, though Syracuse will likely prioritize maximizing his explosiveness on offense and in the return game. Syracuse’s best use of Hughes will likely come in a hybrid offensive role, where he primarily plays receiver but is also schemed into the backfield and used on gadget plays. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and his ability to flip field position as a returner makes him an early-impact player at the Power Five level.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.4
Vertical leap - 33"
Broad jump - 10'2"
Bench press - 225 (MAX)
CFB offers - Ohio, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kentucky, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Maryland, Purdue, Syracuse, Bowling Green, UMass, Toledo, Miami (OH), Kent State & Eastern Michigan
Follow Top 2027 WR recruit Tristin Hughes on X!
6'1", 190
Rocky River HS
(OH)
GPA - 3.1
TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Syracuse 2027 WR/DB commit Tristin Hughes out of Rocky River HS (OH) is one of the most dynamic & versatile athletes in his class, bringing a rare blend of speed, power, and football IQ to the field. At 6’0” with a stout frame, Hughes has already posted elite testing numbers, including a verified 4.4 forty, 33-inch vertical, and 10’2” broad jump, which translate directly into his explosive playmaking ability. Offensively, Hughes is a polished route runner who can stretch the field vertically or make tough grabs in traffic thanks to his uncanny concentration and strong hands. He can also line up in the backfield, where his excellent vision and ability to weave through traffic while breaking arm tackles evoke shades of a young Anquan Boldin. Once the ball is in his hands, Hughes becomes a true home-run threat, whether as a receiver, runner, or in the return game, using his elite agility and uncanny athletic ability to vary speeds to keep defenders off balance. Defensively, he shows the instincts and range to excel as a defensive back, further highlighting his value as a high-level ATH prospect. Ultimately, his explosiveness and versatility on offense will make it difficult for Syracuse to keep him from becoming an immediate playmaker once he hits the field in the ACC. Hughes’ elite route-running, verified 4.4 speed, and strong hands in traffic make him a natural fit as a go-to wideout in the Orange offense. He can stretch the field vertically as a Z-receiver, forcing safeties to play deeper, while also excelling out of the slot where his agility and short-area quickness make him tough to cover in space. His ability to win contested catches and turn short receptions into explosive plays will allow Syracuse to feature him heavily in the passing game. Because of his ball carrier vision and power after contact, Hughes is a prime candidate to be used creatively in a hybrid role. Syracuse could line him up in the backfield for jet sweeps, reverses, and option looks, taking advantage of his ability to knife through traffic and run through tackles. His skill set would fit perfectly in packages designed to get the ball into his hands quickly and let him create chunk plays. With his elite change of direction, speed variation, and vision in the open field, Hughes projects as a dynamic return man from Day 1. Whether on kickoffs or punts, his ability to set up defenders and weave through coverage units gives Syracuse another game-breaking element. Although his offensive upside may be too high to pass up, Hughes also has the athleticism and instincts to contribute in the secondary if needed. His length, speed, and ball skills could make him a reliable corner or safety, though Syracuse will likely prioritize maximizing his explosiveness on offense and in the return game. Syracuse’s best use of Hughes will likely come in a hybrid offensive role, where he primarily plays receiver but is also schemed into the backfield and used on gadget plays. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and his ability to flip field position as a returner makes him an early-impact player at the Power Five level.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.4
Vertical leap - 33"
Broad jump - 10'2"
Bench press - 225 (MAX)
CFB offers - Ohio, West Virginia, Arizona State, Kentucky, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Maryland, Purdue, Syracuse, Bowling Green, UMass, Toledo, Miami (OH), Kent State & Eastern Michigan
Follow Top 2027 WR recruit Tristin Hughes on X!
2027 TOP WR RECRUIT BRAYDEN ZIKMUND
WR Brayden Zikmund
6'0", 175
Manhattan HS
(MT)
GPA - 3.54
TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Brayden Zikmund, a top 2027 wide receiver recruit out of Manhattan High School in Montana, is a dynamic slot weapon with the ability to change the complexion of a game in an instant. At 6’0”, 175 pounds, Zikmund is explosive off the line of scrimmage, displaying both burst and suddenness that immediately put defensive backs on their heels. He possesses excellent route-running instincts, using subtle changes of speed and body positioning to set up defenders and create consistent separation. His 4.5 speed makes him a vertical threat, capable of blowing the top off defenses, while his agility and fluidity allow him to excel on underneath routes and in open space. Zikmund’s concentration and body control stand out when tracking the ball in flight, as he routinely makes acrobatic receptions that expand his effective catch radius beyond his frame. Lined up primarily in the slot, he demonstrates exceptional field awareness, adjusting seamlessly to defenders and maximizing opportunities after the catch with his elusiveness. With his blend of speed, precision, and ball skills, Zikmund projects as a high-upside playmaker who can thrive as a reliable chain-mover and explosive deep threat at the next level.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.54
5-10-5 shuttle - 4.33
Vertical leap - 30"
Bench press - 185x4, 210 (MAX)
Broad jump - 9'5"
Squat - 310 (MAX)
100M Dash - 11.49
400M Dash - 56.9
CFB offers - Montana Tech
CFB programs showing interest - Nevada, Dartmouth, Carleton, South Dakota, Montana, Montana State, Tennessee State & Boise State
Follow Top 2027 WR recruit Brayden Zikmund on X!
6'0", 175
Manhattan HS
(MT)
GPA - 3.54
TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Brayden Zikmund, a top 2027 wide receiver recruit out of Manhattan High School in Montana, is a dynamic slot weapon with the ability to change the complexion of a game in an instant. At 6’0”, 175 pounds, Zikmund is explosive off the line of scrimmage, displaying both burst and suddenness that immediately put defensive backs on their heels. He possesses excellent route-running instincts, using subtle changes of speed and body positioning to set up defenders and create consistent separation. His 4.5 speed makes him a vertical threat, capable of blowing the top off defenses, while his agility and fluidity allow him to excel on underneath routes and in open space. Zikmund’s concentration and body control stand out when tracking the ball in flight, as he routinely makes acrobatic receptions that expand his effective catch radius beyond his frame. Lined up primarily in the slot, he demonstrates exceptional field awareness, adjusting seamlessly to defenders and maximizing opportunities after the catch with his elusiveness. With his blend of speed, precision, and ball skills, Zikmund projects as a high-upside playmaker who can thrive as a reliable chain-mover and explosive deep threat at the next level.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.54
5-10-5 shuttle - 4.33
Vertical leap - 30"
Bench press - 185x4, 210 (MAX)
Broad jump - 9'5"
Squat - 310 (MAX)
100M Dash - 11.49
400M Dash - 56.9
CFB offers - Montana Tech
CFB programs showing interest - Nevada, Dartmouth, Carleton, South Dakota, Montana, Montana State, Tennessee State & Boise State
Follow Top 2027 WR recruit Brayden Zikmund on X!
Junior year stats and film!!!
— Brayden Zikmund 2027 (@bzikmund_10) December 25, 2025
12-0 State champs!!!
All state Wide receiver, Safety, Punt returner!!!
1839 total yards
24 total touchdowns
Offense-
1184 receiving yards
50 receptions
19 receiving touchdowns
117 rush yards
13 carries
1 rushing touchdowns
Defense-
12 ints
2… pic.twitter.com/f5xvtRSCN9
2027 TOP WR RECRUIT ASHTON TAYLOR
WR Ashton Taylor
6'0", 200
Westlake HS
(UT)
GPA - 3.8
TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT
Scouting notes - 2027 top WR recruit Ashton Taylor is a multi-faceted top football recruit who is capable of consistently moving the chains from any offensive alignment and proves to have the ability to take over a game with his ball hawking abilities defensively. Taylor does a masterful job at tracking the ball in flight & is an excellent route runner who can instantly create separation with his quick witted and stellar route running combinations. As a top 2027 LB recruit, Ashton utilized his high football IQ, acceleration and cheetah-like closing speed to swiftly wrap up ball carriers upon arrival at the football & has been known to keenly pry the ball loose to create game changing turnovers for the Westlake defense. Taylor does a magnificent job at adjusting to the flight of the ball and is not afraid to make tough catches while maneuvering through heavy traffic. Taylor is dangerous in the open field as he possesses the elusiveness and vision to turn short passes into substantial gains with his electrifying burst & top end speed. At the RB position he displays excellent vision and patience which allows him to find running lanes and make decisive cuts when motoring downhill through traffic. Ashton Taylor is a rare talent with the potential to excel at multiple positions at the collegiate level & he has been added to the 2027 Top 500+ football recruit rankings for the June re-rank!
CFB programs showing interest - Nevada, Montana, Harvard, Princeton & Utah State
Follow Top 2027 WR Recruit Ashton Taylor on X!
6'0", 200
Westlake HS
(UT)
GPA - 3.8
TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT
Scouting notes - 2027 top WR recruit Ashton Taylor is a multi-faceted top football recruit who is capable of consistently moving the chains from any offensive alignment and proves to have the ability to take over a game with his ball hawking abilities defensively. Taylor does a masterful job at tracking the ball in flight & is an excellent route runner who can instantly create separation with his quick witted and stellar route running combinations. As a top 2027 LB recruit, Ashton utilized his high football IQ, acceleration and cheetah-like closing speed to swiftly wrap up ball carriers upon arrival at the football & has been known to keenly pry the ball loose to create game changing turnovers for the Westlake defense. Taylor does a magnificent job at adjusting to the flight of the ball and is not afraid to make tough catches while maneuvering through heavy traffic. Taylor is dangerous in the open field as he possesses the elusiveness and vision to turn short passes into substantial gains with his electrifying burst & top end speed. At the RB position he displays excellent vision and patience which allows him to find running lanes and make decisive cuts when motoring downhill through traffic. Ashton Taylor is a rare talent with the potential to excel at multiple positions at the collegiate level & he has been added to the 2027 Top 500+ football recruit rankings for the June re-rank!
CFB programs showing interest - Nevada, Montana, Harvard, Princeton & Utah State
Follow Top 2027 WR Recruit Ashton Taylor on X!
TOP 2027 WR RECRUITS
How are College Football Now top 2027 WR recruits rated for the College Football Today national 2027 WR recruit rankings?
(RR) + (RC) + (RP) + (BC) + (AD) + (CR) + (VP) = (WR)
Route Running (RR) - How quickly top 2027 wide receivers are able to get off of the line of scrimmage and into their route stem progressions. (Bump & Run, Burst & Hands)
Route Crispness (RC) - How clean or crisp top 2027 wide receivers are able to get in and out of their route stem progressions or "breaks".
Route Progression (RP) - A top 2027 wide receivers capabilities to work themselves to the open part of the field throughout their routes, while being able to accelerate & change speeds to create separation from defenders.
Body Control (BC) - A top 2027 wide receivers aerial abilities to track the football in flight quickly and adjust their bodies accordingly in order to make receptions after ball is thrown away from the defense. A top wide receivers quickness, footwork & field awareness all contribute to this portion of the S.T.E.P WR body control aspect of excelling in the world of American football.
After Delivery (AD) - Top 2027 wide receivers throughout the inception of American football have been significant factors with the football in their hands after the catch and in the return game, as well as when handed the rock. After deliver of pigskin, a top receiver demonstrates the athletic prowess to gain extra yards after the reception.
Catch Radius (CR) - Many of the greatest top 2027 wide receivers in the sport of American football have demonstrated the capabilities to go up over defenders with their enormous catch radius that is created through having an explosive vertical leap. How fast top wide receivers are able to leap off the ground while tracking the football to catch it at it's highest point. The circumference a top wide receiver can catch a pass away from his body in stride.
Versatility & Physicality (VP) - Top 2027 wide receivers should possess the ability to block out of the edge or while lined up in the slot and use their physicality to create opening for their teammates, along with separation in the passing game. Durability as a top wide receiver is also key to maintain longevity through the course of 4 quarters and also for a top wide receivers playing career. Top wide receivers like Anquan Boldin, Hines Ward & Wes Welker could line up practically anywhere on the offensive side of the football and make an immediate impact in any offensive scenario.
(RR) + (RC) + (RP) + (BC) + (AD) + (CR) + (VP) = (WR)
Route Running (RR) - How quickly top 2027 wide receivers are able to get off of the line of scrimmage and into their route stem progressions. (Bump & Run, Burst & Hands)
Route Crispness (RC) - How clean or crisp top 2027 wide receivers are able to get in and out of their route stem progressions or "breaks".
Route Progression (RP) - A top 2027 wide receivers capabilities to work themselves to the open part of the field throughout their routes, while being able to accelerate & change speeds to create separation from defenders.
Body Control (BC) - A top 2027 wide receivers aerial abilities to track the football in flight quickly and adjust their bodies accordingly in order to make receptions after ball is thrown away from the defense. A top wide receivers quickness, footwork & field awareness all contribute to this portion of the S.T.E.P WR body control aspect of excelling in the world of American football.
After Delivery (AD) - Top 2027 wide receivers throughout the inception of American football have been significant factors with the football in their hands after the catch and in the return game, as well as when handed the rock. After deliver of pigskin, a top receiver demonstrates the athletic prowess to gain extra yards after the reception.
Catch Radius (CR) - Many of the greatest top 2027 wide receivers in the sport of American football have demonstrated the capabilities to go up over defenders with their enormous catch radius that is created through having an explosive vertical leap. How fast top wide receivers are able to leap off the ground while tracking the football to catch it at it's highest point. The circumference a top wide receiver can catch a pass away from his body in stride.
Versatility & Physicality (VP) - Top 2027 wide receivers should possess the ability to block out of the edge or while lined up in the slot and use their physicality to create opening for their teammates, along with separation in the passing game. Durability as a top wide receiver is also key to maintain longevity through the course of 4 quarters and also for a top wide receivers playing career. Top wide receivers like Anquan Boldin, Hines Ward & Wes Welker could line up practically anywhere on the offensive side of the football and make an immediate impact in any offensive scenario.
2027 TOP WIDE RECEIVER RECRUITS
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TOP 2027 WR RECRUIT RANKINGS
The College Football Today top 2027 WR recruit rankings S.T.E.P ratings are released internally for our upcoming top FB recruit rankings updates.
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