2026 Positional Breakdown: TE

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the TE prospects in the 2026 PRZ state rankings.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["780270"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A prototypical major D1 TE with his combination of size, athleticism, and receiving ability. At 6'4” 215 lbs. he already possesses ideal length with the frame to add weight without sacrificing any of his speed or movement ability. Very natural catcher of the football with elite level body control and ball skills to make tough contested receptions in traffic or compete for the ball at the high point. Plus route runner that does a good job finding space and creating a throwing lanes for the QB. He's extremely savvy and instinctual after the catch and is a tough tackle after the catch as he gains forward momentum. Can also make defenders miss in space. Currently the top ranked 2026 TE in the PRZ Rankings holding seven D1 offers with five of them being PAC12 programs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649e972255ad3"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JustinUtupo/status/1662942364342812672?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JustinUtupo/status/1662942364342812672?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["780275"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hearn is a top recruit in two different sports (football/baseball) and is an incredibly gifted athlete. Ideal size, length, and growth potential at 6'4” 205 lbs. for a young developing TE. Extremely effective and productive no matter where he lines which could be an inline TE, slot, H Back, or wide out. Excellent natural movement skills, bend, and coordination that shows in his route running and catching ability. Strong hand catcher that extends and possesses a large catch radius that goes beyond his frame. Deceptive speed both in space and in the short area, can break away from defenders and stretch the field vertically. Four D1 offers to his name so far from Arizona, Nebraska, Colorado State, and San Diego State but will be interesting to see how his recruitment progresses with high level college interest in two sports. Shades of top 2023 football/baseball prospect out of Arizona, Duce Robinson.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649e972255b6e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/IsaiahHearn26/status/1595839379850698752?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/IsaiahHearn26/status/1595839379850698752?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["780279"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The TE out of Inglewood's recruitment kicked off with an early offer from Colorado State as an eighth grader but he really saw his stock rise just after his freshman season with offers coming in from Campbell, Arizona, Houston Christian, and UNLV. At 6'3” 220 lbs. he's got a strong/powerful frame and checks a lot of boxes with his ability to be effective both as a blocker and a pass catcher. Does a great job blocking in space, can work to the second level while taking good angles to establish positional leverage and then accelerates his feet through contact. Can also use his hands and latch on to sustain his block throughout the play. Catches the ball well and is strong at the contact point after the catch to run through and break tackles. Very well rounded skillset that will attract more offers as he continues to progress.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649e972255bfc"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/luke1opez/status/1605046304844894208?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/luke1opez/status/1605046304844894208?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283587"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"At 6'4” 220 lbs. Nickerson is a talented dual sport athlete (football/basketball) with a powerful and long frame. Has really good natural athleticism and coordination for his size and age. Basketball has allowed him to showcase his explosiveness, body control, and change of direction. Flashes high level short area acceleration to create separation as a route runner and leaping ability to go up and attack the ball at the catch point. Plus tracking and adjustment ability to the ball in the air. Strong frame to absorb contact and maintain forward momentum when he turns into a ball carrier. UNLV was his first offer in March and has since added Washington and Colorado State with more on the way.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-649e972255c7e"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AndreNickerson1/status/1637241883310313472?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AndreNickerson1/status/1637241883310313472?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->