Arizona’s wide receiver room is starting to take shape for 2026, and it’s a blend of promising young talent and intriguing transfer additions that could quietly become one of the more balanced units in the Pac-12.
Let’s start with the new faces. The Wildcats dipped into the transfer portal and came away with three wideouts: Rodney Gallagher III (West Virginia), D.J.
Jordan (USC), and Jordan Ross (Colorado State). Each brings something different to the table, and together, they add depth, experience, and upside to a group already on the verge of stepping up.
Rodney Gallagher III comes in with the most college experience. Over three seasons at West Virginia, he played in 38 games and posted 45 catches for 221 yards.
His 2025 campaign was his most productive yet - 28 grabs for 243 yards - including a standout performance in a rivalry game against Pitt where he hauled in seven passes for 61 yards. Gallagher may not be a burner or a big-play guy, but he’s a reliable option who knows how to find space and move the chains.
D.J. Jordan, on the other hand, is more of a long-term investment.
He didn’t see much action at USC - just five catches for 38 yards over two seasons - but his pedigree is legit. Coming out of Sierra Canyon and Chatsworth High Schools, he was a top-100 national recruit in the 2024 class and ranked among the top 20 receivers in the country.
The talent is there, and Arizona is betting on their staff to unlock it.
Jordan Ross brings a mix of both production and potential. Over two seasons at Colorado State, he posted 26 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown.
He was also the highest-rated three-star signee in CSU’s 2024 class. Ross has shown flashes and could carve out a meaningful role in this offense, especially if he continues to build on what he did in Fort Collins.
But the real story in Tucson might be the guys who are already on the roster - a group of returnees who are ready to take the next step.
Chris Hunter leads that charge. After three years as a depth piece, he finally started to break through in 2025.
He led all returning Arizona receivers with 27 catches and 372 yards, and he tied for second on the team with two touchdown grabs. With more snaps and a bigger role on the horizon, Hunter could be poised for a true breakout year.
Tre Spivey is another name to watch. He led the team in touchdown receptions last season and brings a red zone presence that Arizona will need with some key departures from the 2025 roster. He’s got the frame and the hands to be a go-to target when things tighten up near the goal line.
Isaiah Mizell is still developing, but the potential is hard to ignore. As the top offensive signee in Arizona’s 2025 class, Mizell arrived with high expectations.
He saw limited action as a true freshman - four catches for 39 yards - but his speed and route-running make him a weapon in the making. At 6’1” and 164 pounds, he’ll need to bulk up a bit to handle the physicality of a full college season, but the foundation is there.
Gio Richardson might be the sleeper of the group. He made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2025, finishing with 21 receptions, 299 yards, and two scores.
He’s got a knack for finding soft spots in coverage and showed he could contribute right away. With a year under his belt, he’s in position to be one of the more consistent producers in this offense.
Arizona lost three of its top six receivers from last year, but this group - a mix of seasoned returners and high-upside transfers - gives the Wildcats a well-rounded rotation heading into 2026. There’s no true WR1 yet, but that might be a strength. With so many players capable of stepping up, Arizona’s passing game could become a matchup problem for opposing defenses.
It’s a room full of guys with something to prove - and that’s often when you get the most competitive, hungry football. Keep an eye on this group. They may not be the flashiest unit in the conference, but they have the pieces to be one of the most reliable.