California has sent many receivers and tight ends to the NFL and there are several at those positions to watch heading into the 2026 season.
If you tune in to college football on Saturdays or the NFL on Sundays, you are bound to see several top receivers and tight ends from California making big plays.
Breaking Down the Top 10 Receivers and Tight Ends in California
Here are the top 10 receivers and tight ends in California to watch as the 2026 season plays out across the state.
Quentin Hale
High School: Centennial (Corona)
Commitment: USC
Breakdown: Quentin Hale caught 62 passes for 872 yards with 12 touchdowns last season for Cathedral and has since transferred to Centennial. He’s been dominating the camp circuit and 7-on-7 tournaments this offseason and is playing with his former Cathedral quarterback Jaden Jefferson transferred to Centennial alongside him.
Michael “Kiko” Farinas
High School: Chaparral (Temecula)
Commitment: UCLA
Breakdown: Michael “Kiko” Farinas led a dominant Chaparral passing attack with 1,185 yards on 72 catches with 14 touchdowns last season. He’s one of the best slot receivers in the state who is a high-level route runner and can create separation with his speed. Farinas is part of a loaded receiving corps at Chaparral, but should put up another huge season.
Eli Woodard
High School: Chaparral
Commitment: Miami
Breakdown: Eli Woodard caught 51 passes for 1,070 yards with 17 touchdowns for Chaparral last season. He originally committed to USC but reopened his recruitment and chose Miami in late June. Woodard is a well-rounded receiver who can create separation with his route running and make plays after the catch.
Blake Wong
High School: Norco
Commitment: BYU
Breakdown: Blake Wong led all underclassmen receivers in the Southern Section last season with 1,470 yards on 84 catches with 20 touchdowns. He has some of the strongest hands in the state and has excellent body control near the sidelines. Wong is very good at making catches in traffic and winning 50/50 balls and will be a leading receiver in the Section again this year.
DJ Tubbs
High School: St. John Bosco (Bellflower)
Top Offers: Miami, Oregon, Notre Dame, UCLA
Breakdown: DJ Tubbs caught 28 passes for 493 yards with 7 touchdowns for St. John Bosco last season. He earned MVP honors at the Under Armour Next Camp and was a top performer at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament. Tubbs is an elite route runner who was open every time I watched him on the camp circuit this offseason.
Hayden Koo
High School: Tustin
Top Offers: Ohio State, Oregon, BYU, USC
Breakdown: Hayden Koo caught 53 passes for 796 yards with 7 touchdowns for Tustin after transferring from Mission Viejo. He can create separation late in routes and has the largest catch radius of any underclassman in the state. Koo shined at The Opening Finals and at multiple passing tournaments this offseason.
Rob Larson
High School: Folsom
Commitment: UCLA
Breakdown: Rob Larson caught 82 passes for 1,146 yards with a team-high 18 touchdowns for a Folsom team that won a state championship last season. He’s effective as a slot or split out wide and has serious burst once he gets going. Larson is dangerous after the catch and can win 50/50 balls. He is the likely favorite to be the leading receiver in Northern California this season.
Jack Junker
High School: Mission Viejo
Commitment: San Jose State
Breakdown: Jack Junker caught 58 passes for 1147 yards with 14 touchdowns for Mission Viejo last season after transferring from Santa Margarita. Mission Viejo had its top receiver get injured early last season and Junker seamlessly filled that top receiver role. He is explosive off the ball, a sharp route runner and has very good body control.
Austin Miller
High School: Bellflower
Commitment: Ohio State
Breakdown: Austin Miller caught 35 passes for 609 yards with 8 touchdowns last season and ran for 883 yards with 13 touchdowns. He’s one of the top freshmen in the state and has elite physical traits at 6-foot-5 and 200 pounds. Miller can win 50/50 balls with his length but can also jump and can beat guys off the line of scrimmage with his quick feet.
Charles Davis
High School: Westlake
Commitment: Cal
Breakdown: Charles Davis caught 30 passes for 526 yards with 11 touchdowns for Westlake last season. He had his stock rise this offseason and was a top performer at the Under Armour Next Camp, earning an invite to the All-American game. Davis stands out physically when you see him in person and is an explosive athlete who can catch anything near him.
