PRZNE 2025 Rankings Update | Tight End Breakdown
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Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area. The 2025 class rankings were released today, and with that, we have lots of players moving up and some new names making their debuts. I will kick…
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The 2025 class rankings were released today, and with that, we have lots of players moving up and some new names making their debuts. I will kick off the 2025 coverage by looking at a position that has been hot recently. Nebraska tight ends have been all the rave this offseason, with five players already committing to FBS schools.
We’ll get a jump on the next crop of TEs with a 2025 group with the potential to be just as special. Here are the 10 ranked tight ends in our most recent rankings update.
Full rankings HERE.
Chase Loftin Chase Loftin 6'6" | 215 lbs | TE Millard South | 2025 State NE | Elkhorn North | 6’5″ 200 lbs
TE: 1 | Overall: 5
Elkhorn North’s Chase Loftin Chase Loftin 6'6" | 215 lbs | TE Millard South | 2025 State NE has been a massive riser this offseason as he’s picked up several Power 5 offers throughout his camp circuit. Chase made a big jump from his freshman to sophomore season, where he totaled 39 receptions for 577 yards and caught five touchdowns. It seems as if Loftin has made another jump this offseason with several incredible camp performances. His footwork and route running are looking very crisp, with great explosiveness throughout his change of direction. Chase has also impressed with his blocking, showing a mean streak when he needs to drive a defender into the ground. He has good hand use and a powerful upper and lower body drive. Illinois, Kansas State, Mizzou, Nebraska, Iowa State, and Oklahoma have all already jumped on board with an offer for Chase. Watch this guy continue to blow up this year!
Alijah Wayne Alijah Wayne 6'4" | 225 lbs | ATH Omaha Central | 2025 State NE | Omaha Central | 6’4″ 205 lbs
TE: 2 | Overall: 17
Alijah is another player that has been trending up this offseason as he continues to develop. Alijah will likely get recruited at tight end, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him also get looks at outside linebacker after 59 tackles, three TFLs, and an interception during his junior season. He’s a physical big-body receiver who uses his basketball background to body up defenders on contested catches. Alijah’s big hands and huge catch radius make it so you just have to throw in his vicinity, and he’ll likely come down with it. He has great athleticism and moves very well for his size. Massive potential, don’t wait too long to offer!
Levi Sherman Levi Sherman 6'1" | 215 lbs | TE Lincoln Northeast | 2025 State NE | Lincoln Northeast | 6’2″ 195 lbs
TE: 3 | Overall: 44
Levi has looked very impressive this offseason while playing for the Red Wolves. One thing that I’ve picked up about Levi’s game is that he is a sneaky good deep-ball threat. It seems every time I’ve watched him play, Levi is slipping past defenses and breaking away for long touchdowns. Sherman’s football IQ helps him identify weak spots in the defense and attack it full force. He has no problem getting physical with defenders when battling for contested balls and has the concentration to hold on to the ball through contact. Levi will only get better in the next two seasons and as his frame continues to fill out.
Casey Popish Casey Popish 6'5" | 230 lbs | TE Papillion-La Vista South | 2025 State NE | Papillion-La Vista South | 6’4″ 230 lbs
TE: 4 | Overall: 48
Casey made a huge impression at this past Friday’s 7v7 tournament in Norris. Now with the Papio South Titans, Casey found a nice role in the offense as a safety valve target in the passing game. Casey is tough to cover with great size at 6’4″ and 230 pounds and sneaky-good athleticism. Popish was constantly getting open over the middle, creating separation, and elevating over defenders to make plays. He’s very strong and makes it tough for defenses to try and jam him at the line or for defenders wanting to get physical. He’s also a player to keep an eye on defensively. Casey plays with a great motor and already shows a good football IQ. There’s a good chance we could see Casey rise as the season progresses.
Charlie Lamski Charlie Lamski 6'3" | 200 lbs | TE Elkhorn | 2025 State NE | Elkhorn | 6’3″ 195 lbs
TE: 5 | Overall: 51
Charlie is a player that I am excited to see get some time on varsity this season. He has been consistently good every time I’ve had the chance to see him in person. Lamski is a versatile tight end that can line up inside or outside and exploit any mismatches. One thing that has always stood out is Charlie’s fluidity when running his routes. His long stride allows him to seemlessly glide through his routes and create separation from defenders. He’s nearly a lock to come down with the ball when it’s in the air, and he does a great job elevating over defenders to secure it himself. Sleeper prospect!
TJ Whaley TJ Whaley 6'3" | 210 lbs | TE Bellevue West | 2025 State NE | Bellevue West | 6’3″ 210 lbs
TE: 6 | Overall: 73
TJ has been high on my radar since this past December after an impressive 7v7 tryout. He continued to stoke that interest with a solid 7v7 performance at the Battle tournament. TJ possesses a ton of upside as a receiver, especially considering the Thunderbird’s long history of producing talent at the position. He’s a very reliable pass-catcher with big hands and receiver-like route-running abilities. Whaley’s athleticism and size will allow for him to be an instant mismatch, whether lined up on a DB or linebacker. I’m really looking forward to seeing TJ in some pads to check out his blocking ability. Another player you have to account for on the loaded Bellevue West offense.
Reiman Zebert Reiman Zebert 6'6" | 205 lbs | TE Platteview | 2025 State NE | Platteview | 6’5″ 185 lbs
TE: 7 | Overall: 77
Reiman is a player set to have a big season for the Trojans. I recently saw Reiman at the Battle 7v7 tournament, where I thought he showed good chemistry with his new QB, and as a 6’5″ target with a huge catch radius and high-point ability, he will be a great safety blanket for the offense. He moves very well for being a bigger receiver, with surprising twitch and shiftiness when the ball is in his hands. He has a great burst after the catch, which resulted in several plays going for big gains despite being designed for short yardage. Big, soft hands help Reiman secure the ball as it arrives, and he has the strength to hold on through contact. Zebert finished his sophomore season with 11 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown but will likely build on that during year 3.
Levi Bader Levi Bader 6'3" | 200 lbs | TE St. Paul | 2025 State NE | St. Paul | 6’3″ 200 lbs
TE: 8 | Overall: 102
A newcomer to the St. Paul squad, Palmer transfer Levi Bader Levi Bader 6'3" | 200 lbs | TE St. Paul | 2025 State NE will add a very dynamic player to the Wildcat offense. Last season we saw Levi rush for 476 yards, five rushing touchdowns and hauled in 27 receptions for 223 yards with two receiving touchdowns. Some parts of Levi’s game are a little raw, but he has an excellent base already. He’s a great blocker on the perimeter with the ability to neutralize defenders at the second level. He takes advantage of route spacing well and can find small pockets in coverage to get open in. Levi showed great burst after the catch and proved to be tough to bring down on first contact. I’m looking forward to seeing how Levi will be utilized in the St. Paul offense.
Kyler McKenzie Kyler McKenzie 6'3" | 230 lbs | ATH Omaha Westview | 2025 State NE | Omaha Westview | 6’3″ 205 lbs
TE: 9 | Overall: 141
Kyler’s true position is hard to pinpoint at this point in his career, with solid upside at tight end and on defense. He impressed with his blocking ability, using footwork and hands like a lineman in some clips. He is a tough player that won’t hesitate to drop his shoulder when he has the ball and level a defender. Defensively, I wonder if he could play linebacker at the next level, depending on how much more Kyler grows. The Wolverine’s offense should take a step forward in 2023, so hopefully, we see more of what Kyler can do in the passing game.
Alec Schindler Alec Schindler 6'1" | 180 lbs | TE Summerland | 2025 State NE | Summerland | 6’2″ 180 lbs
TE: 10 | Overall: 175
Small-town sleeper here! Summerland’s Alec Schindler Alec Schindler 6'1" | 180 lbs | TE Summerland | 2025 State NE is a player with a lot of upside and someone who could develop nicely in the next two years. He will be the team’s returning receiver with 29 receptions for 479 yards and nine touchdowns during his junior year. Depending on how Alec’s frame fills out, I could see him playing a TE-WR-Flex TE role at the next level. He lines up in a traditional TE spot and shows the ability to get open downfield with several deep touchdown receptions. Alec also displayed solid hands at the catch point, making him a reliable big-body target. I didn’t get to see any blocking reps due to the limited tape available, but so far, the receiving aspect of being a TE looks good for Schindler.
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