CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Number 14 ranked Austin Peay is preparing for Week 3 of the 2026 season as the Govs are down in Pensacola, Florida, to take on the West Florida Argonauts in a ranked matchup.
Heading into this season, we knew the Govs would have an electric offense again. Star quarterback Chris Parson returned, as did tight end Jackson Head and wide receivers Jaden Robinson and Nate Garnett Jr.
However, there’s another receiver who returned to the team in 2026 who’s been the star of the show so far – Denver Harper. Harper currently leads all of the FCS, as well as the FBS, in yards per catch.
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Showcasing big-play ability throughout 2026
Harper only played in one game in 2025, and he didn’t record a single catch. However, the receiver had a great summer and ended up earning a starting receiver job for the 2026 season. In the team’s first game, Harper showed off his big-play ability, catching three passes for 108 yards and one touchdown.
Then, against Vanderbilt, Harper scored the Govs’ lone touchdown. Most recently against Morehead State in Week 2, Harper had his best game yet, catching three passes for 124 yards and two scores, and also returning a punt 67 yards for a touchdown. Harper’s 36.57 yards per reception ranks 1st in the country; nobody else in the FBS or FCS is averaging even 35 yards per reception.
It’s now clear through three games that Harper is the real deal and will be a key piece of the offense going forward. Ahead of Week 3, Harper sat down with Clarksville Now to talk about his early performance and tell us more about himself.
Getting to know Denver Harper
Harper has always been a fantastic athlete. The receiver played high school football at Russell County High School in Alabama. In three varsity seasons, Harper totaled 137 receptions, 2,491 yards, and 28 touchdowns. In addition to starring for the football team, Harper also competed in track and field.
The young receiver has interests outside of sports, too. Harper is a self-proclaimed “nerd at heart,” and he’s majoring in engineering technology. “I’m a nerd at heart,” Harper explained. “I built my own PC, I love computers. I’m a true student athlete; I love to learn.”
Head coach Jeff Faris has frequently praised Harper in post-game press conferences. The coach said after the Morehead State game that Harper “probably has the highest GPA on the team.”
Harper has also been patient. The receiver didn’t get many opportunities as a freshman, but he was fine waiting for his time.
“It was nice to sit back and learn (in 2025),” Harper said. “I learned a lot just watching film last year and from those receivers. Coach Faris is a great coach, we learn a lot.”
Playing with a quarterback like Parson definitely helps as well. Harper has become Parson’s favorite target to hit deep down the field, and it’s clear the duo has great chemistry. “CP is great. He’s always there for us, making sure we’re doing things right,” Harper said. “He’s a great leader.”
The other receivers in the room have also helped Harper come into his own. The young star mentioned Jaden Robinson and Marvin Sims being great mentors, as they’ve both brought FBS experience to the team.
Big expectations for the rest of the 2026 season
Through three games, the Govs are exactly where they needed to be. The team is 2-1 and ranked No. 14 in the country. Faris and Parson made it known that the expectation is to compete for a championship this season, and if the team does that, Harper will be a big reason why.
Harper isn’t satisfied with what he’s done so far though; he wants to keep proving himself and helping the team win, he said. As far as expectations go, the wide receiver doesn’t think this team has a ceiling.
“I don’t think we have a ceiling to be honest,” Harper said. “If we play our best football, we can beat anybody in the country.”
Week 3 will be the first real test for the Govs in 2026. If they can take down No. 17 West Florida, they will have an early signature win and all the momentum in the world.
This weekend’s game is at 6 p.m. Saturday at PenAir Field in Pensacola. For tickets, go to the Austin Peay page on Ticketmaster or call 931-221-PEAY (7329).