Potential and Opportunity Define Montana's 2026 Wide Receivers
Source: Montana Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The 2026 Montana Grizzlies football season is still months away, but the wide receiver group is already generating buzz. Under the guidance of new wide receivers coach Eric Price, the unit is a compelling mix of proven talent and hungry newcomers. Price describes the room as full of opportunity, and the competition is driving everyone to improve.
“There’s a lot of opportunity out there and I just keep telling them, stay focused and be ready when you get your time to make a play,” Price said. “The competition is going to make us better as a group.”
At the top of the depth chart stands Brooks Davis, a rising junior who earned Freshman All-American honors last season after recording 54 receptions for 698 yards and five touchdowns. Davis, who redshirted in 2024, has used the offseason to add weight and muscle without sacrificing his quickness. He’s focused on perfecting the basics.
“I feel like I can get better at every aspect of my game, every single day, just trying to take one step forward,” Davis said. “It’s an honor being looked at that way. That’s what I work for. I’m very grateful and honored to be in this position and bringing the young guys along because I was in that position coming in.”
Head coach Bobby Kennedy sees even more upside in Davis. “He can be a lot better. If you think you’ve ever arrived in this business, then you’re probably going to stay the same,” Kennedy said. “What I’ve seen out of him in the weight room and his practice habits, he’s pushing himself. I’m really pleased with him.”
Behind Davis, the competition is wide open. Landon Ransom-Goelz, a graduate transfer from Rice, has quickly made an impression. He previously had a relationship with Kennedy and brings a veteran presence. Ransom-Goelz is focused on complementing the existing talent.
“When you come into something that’s already good, you never want to destroy the balance,” Ransom-Goelz said. “I’m just trying to complement them and elevate the offense as a whole. I’m not trying to mess up anything or take over. I’m going to battle for these Montana Grizzlies every single day. I’m leaving everything out on the line. I’ve been battling injuries, but I’m really trying to leave it all on the field for Montana.”
Returning contributors include Korbin Hendrix, who caught three touchdowns last season on 12 receptions for 174 yards. Jordan Dever also found the end zone, with 11 catches for 197 yards. Lekeldrick Bridges, a younger talent who saw action in 2025, is now entrenched in the rotation. Veteran Ian Finch, Minnesota transfer Legend Lyons, and up-and-comer Bridger Smith all have the potential to carve out larger roles.
Price noted that the intense competition is raising the standard. “Those guys are getting better because of the competition in the room. When they get their chance, they’re going 100%. The effort level is there,” Price said. “We still have a lot to clean up and a long ways to go. Each guy has to beat somebody out every day. If they don’t have a good day, the guy behind them is going to make the play. That’s making us all better.”
The Grizzlies’ offense already has a high ceiling, and the receiving corps is a key part of that potential. With quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat returning, the connection between passer and receiver will be crucial. The unit lost Michael Wortham, but the current group offers a mix of experience and youth.
The full roster of wide receivers includes a range of sizes and backgrounds: Monte Gillman (5-8, 162), Landon Ransom-Goelz (6-1, 185), Brooks Davis (6-0, 174), Ian Finch (6-3, 209), Legend Lyons (6-2, 180), Weston Adams (5-11, 192), Jordan Dever (6-0, 174), Cameron Gurnsey (6-1, 197), Lekeldrick Bridges (5-11, 170), Korbin Hendrix (6-3, 192), Bridger Smith (6-1, 170), Wesley Ehret (6-2, 180), and William Snell (6-4, 195). This depth gives Price multiple options to build a dynamic passing attack.
As spring practice progresses, the battle for starting spots will intensify. The Grizzlies’ wide receiver group is defined by potential and opportunity, and the players are determined to seize their moment.
Article commentary
The Montana Grizzlies’ wide receiver room for 2026 presents a fascinating case study in roster construction and competitive dynamics. The theme of potential and opportunity is not just a coaching cliché; it reflects a genuine reality where multiple starting positions are open, and the depth chart is fluid. This situation is ideal for a program looking to sustain success after losing key contributors. Brooks Davis stands out as the clear alpha, but his development is far from complete. His offseason focus on conditioning and weight gain suggests he is preparing for a heavier workload, which could make him a more physical presence in the slot or on the outside. Head coach Bobby Kennedy’s praise for his work ethic indicates that Davis is not resting on his accolades. However, the true test will be whether he can elevate his game against tougher defenses and become a consistent go-to target. The addition of Landon Ransom-Goelz from Rice adds a savvy veteran who understands the importance of fitting into an established system. His comments about complementing rather than disrupting are telling. He brings a maturity that can stabilize a young group, but his injury history is a concern. If he stays healthy, he could be a reliable chain-mover and a mentor to lesser-experienced players. The competition among the rest of the receivers is where the most intriguing storylines emerge. Korbin Hendrix, Jordan Dever, and Lekeldrick Bridges have all shown flashes, but none have locked down a consistent role. The presence of Ian Finch, a local product, and transfers like Legend Lyons creates a healthy mix of loyalty and new blood. The fact that coach Eric Price is fostering a culture where every rep is a battle suggests that the team will not coast on reputation. From a strategic standpoint, Montana’s offense under quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat will likely rely on a spread attack that demands multiple reliable targets. The loss of Michael Wortham is significant, but the depth of options—ranging from the size of Ian Finch (6-3, 209) to the speed of Monte Gillman—allows for matchup flexibility. The Grizzlies can tailor their personnel to exploit defensive weaknesses, whether that means using big-bodied receivers in the red zone or quick slot players on third down. One critical factor is the coaching transition. Eric Price is new to the program, but his emphasis on competition and readiness indicates he is not simply inheriting a group; he is reshaping it. The early standout status of Ransom-Goelz suggests that Price values experience and reliability, but he is also giving younger players like Bridger Smith a chance to prove themselves. The roster list reveals a wide range of experience levels, from freshmen to fifth-year seniors. This mix can be a double-edged sword: youthful energy can drive improvement, but inexperience can lead to inconsistency. The key will be for the coaching staff to identify a core rotation early and build chemistry with the quarterback. Ultimately, Montana’s wide receiver group is a playground of potential. The opportunity is real, and the competition is genuine. How these players respond to the pressure will determine whether the Grizzlies reach their offensive ceiling in 2026. The foundation is solid, but the execution will reveal whether potential becomes production.