Top 25 Returning FCS Wide Receivers In 2026

As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.

While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.

Here are the top returning wide receivers in 2026.

NOTES:

• These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
• 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
• Top Returning FCS Running Backs
• Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
• Top Returning FCS Linebackers

Best Returning FCS Wide Receivers

25. JC Roque Jr., Northern Iowa

24. Jaden Robinson, Austin Peay

23. Michael Rossin, Western Carolina

22. Tyrell Pollard, Central Arkansas

21. Chance Peterson, North Carolina Central

20. Tre’ Holloway, Tennessee Tech

19. Gavin Nelson, Monmouth

18. Stacy Dobbins, UC Davis

17. Luke Mailander, Illinois State

16. Brayden Smith, Mercer

15. Jalen Smith, Lindenwood

14. AJ Colombo, Western Carolina

13. B.J. Fleming, Tarleton State (transfer from North Dakota)

12. Dylan Lord, Illinois State

11. Brady Blackburn, Harvard

RELATED: 2026 FCS Preseason Preview Central

10. Gavin Lochow, Dayton

9. Lofton O’Groske, South Dakota State

8. Nate Rembert, Jackson State

7. Brooks Davis, Montana

6. Samuel Musungu, Cornell

5. Chedon James, Idaho State (transfer from UIW)

Go. Off. Chedon James!!!

BENGAL TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/na4lh8h0MI

— Idaho State Football (@BengalGridiron) September 30, 2023

James is returning to his All-American roots. He began his college career at Idaho State in 2022 and 2023 before spending 2024 at Fresno State and 2025 at UIW. James transferred back to the Bengals this offseason and looks to replicate his dynamic 2023 season while reuniting with All-Big Sky quarterback Jordan Cooke. In 2023, he led the FCS with 102 catches and ranked No. 6 with 1,045 receiving yards while scoring eight touchdowns. The 5-foot-9 and 175-pounder earned All-Big Sky First Team honors and All-American accolades.

4. Sam Milligan, Bucknell

Bucknell WR Sam Milligan(@smilligan0517) took a big step forward in 2025, earning 2nd Team All-Patriot League honors.

Listed at 6’3, 220 lbs, the Swarthmore, Pennsylvania native hauled in 56 receptions for 975 yards and 10 TDs.

Milligan, alongside fellow WR TJ Cadden, forms one… pic.twitter.com/SMZUUBm6CO

— Bryan (@RealBGauvin23) May 4, 2026

After catching 19 passes for 281 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, Milligan had a breakout season last fall. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, he totaled 56 receptions for 975 yards and 10 TDs. Milligan finished No. 13 in FCS regular-season receiving yards and No. 3 in the Patriot League, and his 86.6 overall PFF grade ranked No. 5 among FCS wide receivers. Milligan’s standout season earned All-Conference Second Team honors.

3. Samuel Gbatu Jr., UC Davis

UC Davis WR Samuel Gbatu Jr. (@gbatu_jr) proved he’s among the elite at the FCS level, earning 2nd Team AFCA FCS All-American honors.

The Temecula, California native hauled in 70 receptions for 1,169 yards and 11 TDs, serving as the Aggies’ go-to playmaker all season.#FCS… pic.twitter.com/8jts7oYqMf

— Bryan (@RealBGauvin23) April 3, 2026

Gbatu has had a productive last three seasons for UC Davis. In 2023, he had 31 catches for 364 yards and three touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. In 2024, Gbatu totaled 44 receptions for 779 yards and seven scores. Last season, the 5-foot-10 and 185-pound California native racked up 70 catches for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished No. 3 in FCS receiving yards and No. 6 in receiving touchdowns. Gbatu was honored on the All-Big Sky First Team while earning FCS All-American accolades from FCS Football Central and the AFCA.

2. Taco Dowler, Montana State

Montana State WR Taco Dowler (@DowlerTaco) has been a dynamic playmaker for the Bobcats all season long.

Dowler earned Second Team All–Big Sky honors after hauling in 69 receptions for 914 yards and 6 TDs on the year.

Future Sunday player.#FCS #BobcatBuilt #GoCatsGo #BigSkyFB pic.twitter.com/16QNuODAh5

— Bryan (@RealBGauvin23) January 4, 2026

After catching 38 passes for 597 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2024, Dowler had a spectacular season last fall. The 5-foot-9 and 170-pound Montana native tallied 77 receptions for 1,025 yards and seven TDs while returning 24 punts for 323 yards (13.5 average) and another score. His 84.9 overall PFF grade ranked No. 13 among FCS wide receivers. Dowler earned Second Team All-Big Sky honors as a wide receiver and was a First Teamer as a return specialist. He was a star in the national championship game, scoring on a 22-yard rushing touchdown and catching eight passes for 111 yards. His overtime touchdown catch set up the game-winning PAT. MSU returns standout quarterback Justin Lamson as well, making this QB-WR duo a lethal one again in 2026.

1. Marquis Buchanan, Rhode Island

🔙 for 2026 #3MoreFeet pic.twitter.com/jRka6oj9D3

— Rhody Football (@RhodyFootball) January 2, 2026

The All-American QB-WR combo of Devin Farrell and Marquis Buchanan is back in 2026. The two were electric last season. Buchanan led the FCS in receiving yards last year, grabbing 78 catches for 1,337 yards and eight touchdowns. Farrell finished No. 2 in FCS passing yards with 3,745 yards, including 24 TDs and eight interceptions. Buchanan is a three-time All-CAA selection and a back-to-back All-American. As a redshirt freshman in 2023, he had 42 receptions for 638 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention accolades. In 2024, Buchanan garnered All-CAA Second Team honors, plus a couple of All-American honors, after hauling in 82 catches for 1,124 yards and eight TDs. Last season, the 6-foot-4 and 190-pounder was named to the All-CAA First Team and added multiple All-American First Team accolades.