2026 Position Preview: Competition Runs Deep at Wide Receiver
8/14/2026 10:05:00 AM | Football
Competition is running high in Coastal Carolina's wide receiver room, where a blend of proven returners and talented newcomers has created no shortage of options entering the 2026 season. With experience, speed and playmaking ability throughout the group, the battle for opportunities remains wide open as preseason camp continues under head coach Ryan Beard, offensive coordinator Nick Petrino and wide receivers coach David Clowney.
Robby Washington and Karmello English headline the returning group. Washington led Coastal Carolina with 29 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 while appearing in all 13 games. In addition to his work at wide receiver, he added seven rushing attempts and completed a touchdown pass, showcasing his versatility within the offense. English also appeared in every game last season, catching 20 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns after transferring from West Georgia. With another year in the program, both veterans will be counted on to provide leadership and production for the receiving corps.
The Chanticleers significantly strengthened the position through the transfer portal. Goldie Lawrence arrives after totaling 447 receiving yards and two touchdowns at Florida A&M last season, while Missouri State transfer Tristian Gardner reunites with Beard and Petrino after catching 30 passes for 465 yards and six touchdowns, setting the Bears' freshman record for touchdown receptions. Clayton Coppock earned Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors at Kennesaw State after totaling 28 receptions for 311 yards and six total touchdowns, while Arkansas transfer Krosse Johnson brings SEC experience after appearing in nine games over the past two seasons with the Razorbacks.
Additional depth comes from Colton Hinton, Trishstin Glass, Dwayne White and Nathan Schuessler, each of whom adds experience and competition within the room. Tamarion LaFortune also joins the group after averaging more than 23 yards per reception at Western Connecticut State, while freshmen KD Hainsworth, Jayden Johnson and Joshua Parker provide additional talent and depth entering preseason camp.
Robby Washington and Karmello English headline the returning group. Washington led Coastal Carolina with 29 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 while appearing in all 13 games. In addition to his work at wide receiver, he added seven rushing attempts and completed a touchdown pass, showcasing his versatility within the offense. English also appeared in every game last season, catching 20 passes for 185 yards and three touchdowns after transferring from West Georgia. With another year in the program, both veterans will be counted on to provide leadership and production for the receiving corps.
The Chanticleers significantly strengthened the position through the transfer portal. Goldie Lawrence arrives after totaling 447 receiving yards and two touchdowns at Florida A&M last season, while Missouri State transfer Tristian Gardner reunites with Beard and Petrino after catching 30 passes for 465 yards and six touchdowns, setting the Bears' freshman record for touchdown receptions. Clayton Coppock earned Conference USA All-Freshman Team honors at Kennesaw State after totaling 28 receptions for 311 yards and six total touchdowns, while Arkansas transfer Krosse Johnson brings SEC experience after appearing in nine games over the past two seasons with the Razorbacks.
Additional depth comes from Colton Hinton, Trishstin Glass, Dwayne White and Nathan Schuessler, each of whom adds experience and competition within the room. Tamarion LaFortune also joins the group after averaging more than 23 yards per reception at Western Connecticut State, while freshmen KD Hainsworth, Jayden Johnson and Joshua Parker provide additional talent and depth entering preseason camp.
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