Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with plenty of questions surrounding its passing game. However, the wide receiver room offers an intriguing mix of proven experience, explosive playmaking ability and young talent waiting for their opportunity. With players arriving from the Power Four, FCS and Division III levels, the Bearcats have assembled a group with a wide variety of skill sets.
Here’s a closer look at the wide receivers expected to compete for opportunities in Cincinnati’s passing attack in 2026.
JV Gibson – Redshirt Senior
JV Gibson enters Cincinnati coming off a solid 2025 campaign at Oklahoma. During the Sooners’ run to the College Football Playoff, he finished with 18 receptions for 199 yards and a touchdown, with his production increasing late in the season. Five of his catches came during Oklahoma’s final two games against LSU and Alabama, accounting for 107 yards. That late season production against high-level competition provides valuable experience as he transitions into a potentially larger role with the Bearcats.
Gibson brings something every offense wants on the outside: size, physicality and experience. The redshirt senior has already seen significant competition at the Power Four level and has developed into a receiver capable of winning through contact and giving his quarterback a dependable target on intermediate routes. His physical approach to route running allows him to create separation while his willingness to attack contested balls makes him an appealing option when a play breaks down.
Isaiah Johnson – Junior
Few traits stand out more in Johnson’s game than his quickness and acceleration. The junior has the speed to threaten defenses vertically while also possessing the versatility to operate from the slot. His ability to get the ball in space and turn short opportunities into explosive plays could make him a dangerous weapon in Cincinnati’s offense.
Johnson showed flashes of big-play ability throughout the 2025 season at Cincinnati. He appeared in all 13 games and finished with 14 receptions for 222 yards and three touchdowns. Three of his first four catches were for at least 26 yards, including two touchdown receptions against Northwestern State. Johnson later connected with former quarterback Brendan Sorsby for a touchdown against Baylor, while also contributing 24 yards on two rushing attempts. His combination of speed and versatility gives Cincinnati another way to attack opposing defenses.
Larenzo Fenner – Redshirt Junior
Fenner arrives in Cincinnati with one of the most productive résumés in the receiver room, albeit at a lower level. The redshirt junior established himself as a major offensive threat at South Dakota, combining polished route running with dependable hands and the awareness to locate openings in zone coverage. He has shown an ability to consistently find space and turn his opportunities into significant production.
His 2025 campaign was particularly impressive. Fenner hauled in 1,001 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, with the latter setting a South Dakota program record. His average of 22.75 yards per reception ranked second nationally among FCS players. Fenner found the end zone three times in consecutive back-to-back November games, tying another program record in the process. His production and ability to create explosive plays make him one of the more intriguing additions to Cincinnati’s receiving corps.
Malachi Henry – Redshirt Junior
Henry gives Cincinnati another physical presence capable of working the middle of the field. The redshirt junior transferred to the Bearcats after an impressive season at Central Arkansas, where he developed a reputation as a dependable possession receiver who isn’t afraid to make difficult catches in traffic. His combination of size and physicality also allows him to fight through contact and pick up additional yards after the catch.
Images courtesy of Malachi Henry
Henry’s 2025 campaign demonstrated just how productive he can be. He finished the season with 69 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, surpassing 100 receiving yards in four different games. He saved one of his best performances for the end of the season, posting a career-high 142 yards and two touchdowns against Abilene Christian. His production earned him First-Team All-UAC honors. Henry led the UAC in receptions (69), receptions per game (5.75), receiving yards (889), receiving touchdowns (10) and receiving yards per game (74.1). His 10 receiving touchdowns also ranked ninth nationally among FCS players. He added further value beyond his receiving production, ranking sixth in the UAC in all-purpose yards and third in total touchdowns. Cincinnati will be hoping that success carries over as Henry steps into a new offense and a higher level of competition.
Elijah Jones – Redshirt Sophomore
Jones enters his redshirt sophomore season looking to build on limited opportunities early in his Cincinnati career. He appeared in all 13 games during the 2025 season, recording two receptions for 17 yards.
Images courtesy of Elijah Jones
While his statistical production was modest, Jones did see the field throughout the season and recorded an early highlight to start off his career when he caught the first completion of junior quarterback Samaj Jones’ career against Northwestern State. He also added a six-yard reception against Oklahoma State. With increased competition throughout the receiver room, Jones will have an opportunity to carve out a larger role in 2026.
Cade Wolford – Redshirt Sophomore
Wolford may be one of the most versatile additions to Cincinnati’s offense. The Kent State transfer has already demonstrated that he can contribute as a receiver, runner and return specialist, giving the Bearcats another player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
Images courtesy of Cade Wolford
Wolford earned Third-Team All-MAC honors in 2025 after appearing in all 12 games and recording 19 receptions for 509 yards and seven touchdowns. His 26.8 yards-per-catch average illustrates just how dangerous he can be when the ball is in his hands. He found the end zone against Merrimack twice while also scoring against Texas Tech, Buffalo, Toledo, Bowling Green, Akron and Northern Illinois. His biggest reception of the season came against Merrimack, when he hauled in a 79-yard touchdown. Scoring against P4 competition brings hope he can transfer into the Big 12 and be dangerous from day one.
His versatility extended beyond the passing game. Wolford carried the ball 12 times for 96 yards and a touchdown, including a 31-yard run against Northern Illinois, while also returning five kicks for 53 yards. Cincinnati’s coaching staff has to find creative ways to utilize his skill set, Wolford could become a valuable piece of the offense.
Giyahni Kontosis – Sophomore
Kontosis represents one of the younger and more intriguing pieces of Cincinnati’s receiving corps. The former Maryland prospect appeared in three games during the 2025 season:Nebraska, Bowling Green and in the Liberty Bowl vs. Navy, allowing him to gain valuable experience while preserving his redshirt.
Images courtesy of Cincinnati Athletics Department
Coming out of high school, Kontosis was regarded as a consensus three star prospect and one of the top recruits in Maryland. He was ranked among the nation’s top 100 wide receiver prospects by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals after helping Riverdale Baptist finish the 2022 season undefeated. As a senior, he recorded 59 receptions for 1,099 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 19.3 yards per catch.
Kontosis was recognized for his combination of speed, route-running ability and willingness to make contested catches. He also earned Fall All-MET second-team honors and chose Cincinnati over several Power Four opportunities, including offers from Indiana, Pittsburgh and Boston College. With another year of development under his belt, 2026 provides an opportunity for Kontosis to take another step forward and push for a larger role.
Pierce Ayers – Sophomore
Ayers provides Cincinnati with additional depth and is an intriguing developmental option after transferring from Wittenberg. The sophomore spent his first two collegiate seasons at the Division III program and emerged as a productive receiver during his second season.
Images courtesy of Cincinnati Athletics Department
Ayers produced two 100-yard receiving performances, doing so against Denison and Wabash. His best game came against Denison, where he recorded career highs with 17 receptions for 147 receiving yards. He followed that performance with six catches for 119 yards against Wabash. While the jump in competition will be significant, Ayers enters Cincinnati with proven production and an opportunity to compete for snaps in a crowded receiver room.
Wide Receiver Wrap-Up
The wide receiver room enters the 2026 season as one of the more interesting position groups on Cincinnati’s roster. A blend of proven production from transfer additions, returning experience and emerging young talent gives the Bearcats multiple options to replace last season’s playmakers. Whether it’s the size of Gibson, the explosiveness of Johnson, the production of Fenner and Henry, or the upside of younger players such as Kontosis and Ayers, Cincinnati appears to have the depth and versatility needed to challenge defenses in a variety of ways. If the group can quickly develop chemistry and consistency, it has the potential to be a major factor in the success of the Bearcats’ passing attack this fall.
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