Pecking Order at Wide Receiver Still Under Review

LARAMIE -- It's game week.

Wyoming wrapped up its 19th practice of the fall Saturday, shifting the workload indoors thanks to a persistent thunderstorm that lingered over the high plains.

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Colorado State is first on the docket in 2026. That tilt, the 118th Border War in history, is set for Sept. 5 inside Canvas Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. and the game will be televised on USA Network.

What Head Coach Jay Sawvel Had to Say:

“We've got a lot of work to do still, but the last few days have been good. A couple of really good practices in a row. Effort's been good, intensity has been good, but I think that there's reason to believe that we should become a much better team than what we've been -- but we've got to do that next Saturday. I think right now we're in a pretty good place. We need a big day tomorrow, then we get into game week."

Sawvel will hold his first official press conference of the season at noon on Monday. That will be available to viewers on MW+. You can purchase a monthly subscription for $10.99 or a yearly deal for $79.99.

The Cowboys return some key pieces in the wide receiver room this season:

Deion DeBlanc, who was a true freshman last fall, finished with 17 catches a season ago to lead all returners. Sawvel said the Texas native has dealt with numerous injuries this offseason, including a nagging ankle issue.

Christian Taylor said he loves DeBlanc's skillset and attitude, but he needs to see it play out on the field in front of him, something that hasn't happened much since the team's new offensive coordinator arrived in Laramie in January.

"He does flash, and you see the talent," Taylor said of the 5-foot-10, 185-pound sophomore. "I think he's still searching for the consistency, which comes with repetitions on the field."

Jackson Holman added 13 receptions for 139 yards, a modest number that also leads all returners.

Eric Richardson, who stands 5-foot-11 and tips the scales at 181, has had a strong fall for the Cowboys. The speedy transfer from Northwest Missouri State added 10 catches for 112 yards last season. He also reeled in a long touchdown pass in a road loss at Colorado.

"He's been a stud," Taylor said bluntly. "Ever since the spring, he's just been ascending. In this training camp, he just took off from where he left off. He's willing to do anything, and guys in this offense, on this team and in this program that fit really what this state is all about -- do whatever's asked, whenever they're asked with full intensity, full speed with max effort -- and he's been doing that. The ball's been finding him because he's been doing that."

Charlie Coenen is another name that keeps coming up.

"He's been steady Eddie and awesome all camp," Taylor added.

The former walk-on snagged just five passes for 99 yards in 2025, but one of those was a 45-yard touchdown grab against San Jose State. That strike from quarterback Kaden Anderson came right down the seam. The Minnesota product split two defenders and raced into the end zone untouched.

"I think that was a huge moment for him, and I really was excited for him," Sawvel said. "You know, with that touchdown, the catch, run, everything about it. Charlie's been such an unselfish guy his whole time here."

Bricen Brantley added five catches as well a season ago.

Ke’Lyn Washom redshirted last season and will add to depth, joining the likes of Joaquin Sandoval and Pierre “PJ” Jackson.

The Pokes added just one receiver via the NCAA Transfer Portal. That is Justin Popovich, a 6-foot-3, 203-pound senior, who hauled in 55 catches for nearly 700 yards last season at the Division-II level. UW's staff also added talented freshmen in Jayden Williams, Jarell Gary and Jordan Styles.

Sawvel said his two-deep at the wideout spot is still up in the air and could be decided as late as kickoff in Fort Collins.

* A UW press release contributed to this article.

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