Eli Heidenreich is a wide receiver and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who played his collegiate career at the United States Naval Academy. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Heidenreich was a standout two-sport athlete before committing to Navy, where he served as a hybrid weapon in the Midshipmen's option-oriented offense. After redshirting in 2022, he emerged as a key contributor in 2023, leading the team in receiving with 19 catches for 382 yards and four touchdowns while adding 214 rushing yards. His 2024 season represented a full breakout, as he started all 13 games, accumulated 39 receptions for 671 yards and six receiving touchdowns, and rushed for 444 yards, tying the program's single-season record for receiving touchdowns. Over three active seasons at Navy he caught 109 passes for 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns, operating out of the Midshipmen's "snipe" role as a Swiss Army knife who lined up at running back, H-back, and receiver.
Measured at 6-0 and 198 pounds, Heidenreich posted a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, underscoring the legitimate speed that distinguished him at Navy. He is known for his hands, route-running instincts, and toughness after the catch, with a career drop rate of roughly three percent across his college career. His background as both a runner and receiver gives him the football intelligence and versatility that translate to a hybrid slot or running back role at the next level. Scouts have drawn comparisons to James White and Danny Woodhead for his third-down and receiving ability, and his special teams upside as a kick returner adds further value. Heidenreich projects as an early Day 3 selection with the tools to contribute right away on special teams and develop into a reliable pass-catching weapon for the right NFL scheme.
