Class of ‘26 TE’s on the Rise

Santino Bernal December 10, 2024 @ 06:18 AM

Much like how the Class of ‘26 wide receivers were described last week, the Class of ‘26 tight ends also have talent from top to bottom. This position in general has rapidly evolved at every level in the sport, and as of late has become a highly recruited position in the Sunflower State.   The Class of ‘25 is a prime example of that. Their class has a few highly-touted tight end prospects set to attend Power Four programs, and it's looking like several more will play at the collegiate level. As of right now, the tight end group from the Class of ‘26 is on pace to do the same. Here's a look at six prospects that are on the rise heading into 2025.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 6A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1327745' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] - Shawnee Mission South, 6'6”, 220   DeBaun is a player sure to get some looks next year. He boasts a similar frame to top-ranked tight end, [player_tooltip player_id='1229117' first='Ian' last='Premer'], as he stands at 6-foot-6, 220 pounds. The junior was very impactful for Shawnee Mission South this season and as a result he was awarded a 1st Team All-League selection. DeBaun recorded 34 receptions for 397 yards and five touchdowns   [player_tooltip player_id='1228896' first='William' last='Yeldell'] - Olathe South, 6'5”, 205   Yeldell wasn't featured in the passing game as much as his peers during the ‘24 campaign, but he's still a promising prospect heading into 2025. Olathe South utilized the 6-foot-5 junior more in the trenches where he proved to be a capable blocker. The upcoming 7-On-7 season will be a great opportunity for Yeldell to showcase his pass catching abilities.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 5A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='986134' first='Noah' last='Kobuszewski'] - Seaman, 6'4”, 240   The 2024 campaign was yet another solid season for Kobuszewski. His production took a little bit of a hit due to the monster year [player_tooltip player_id='1223957' first='Bryer' last='Finley'] had, but Kobuszewski did finish his junior season as Seaman's second leading receiver. He collected 38 catches for 325 yards and one score. Given his play over the past two years, he'll be well on pace to eclipse 100 career receptions during the ‘25 campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114743' first='Roman' last='Miller'] - Basehor-Linwood, 6'3”, 195   Basehor-Linwood is set to have a formidable passing game next season, and Miller will play a key role in it. He finished his junior campaign as the Bobcats' third leading receiver with 17 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns. With a few seniors graduating this spring, Miller could become Basehor's No. 2 target behind [player_tooltip player_id='1114730' first='Nash' last='Morrison'] next fall.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1403609' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] - Pratt, 6'6”, 210   Out of these six prospects, Morrell ended the ‘24 campaign with the best statistical season. Morrell led Pratt in receiving with 19 catches for 446 yards and hit pay dirt four times. The 6-foot-6 junior also rushed for 107 yards on 16 carries. He really started to come into his own this season, but look for him to take his game to another level as a senior next year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1A</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1577007' first='Austin' last='Zeller'] - Jackson Heights, 6'4”, 200, Unranked   Jackson Heights fielded one of the most explosive offenses in Class 1A this season, and Zeller was a key contributor for them in the passing game. Zeller finished his junior season as the Cobras' most explosive pass-catcher. He snagged 16 balls for 402 yards and found the end zone five times. While he isn't technically listed as a tight end on Jackson Heights' roster, with added size he could be an exceptional tight end at the collegiate level.

Much like how the Class of ‘26 wide receivers were described last week, the Class of ‘26 tight ends also have talent from top to bottom. This position in general has rapidly evolved at every level in the sport, and as of late has become a highly recruited position in the Sunflower State.