7 TEs from the 2026 Class Who Could Be Game-Changers on Saturdays

The 2026 TE class is quietly one of the best classes in recent memory and today we're highlighting just 7 of the tight ends who could be a difference maker on Saturdays.    Barry is an incredible raw athlete who is still getting better, faster, and stronger. He came in as a lengthy freshman but a bit underweight. He's put the work in and it's rounded out his game. He's able to block and create space in the passing game. He was a big 3rd down converter for the offense this year as well. He's a big body who operates over the middle and is reliable. His upside is undeniable and it'll be key for him to stay hungry at the next level to reach it.     Klaner has been one of the hottest recruits in the Midwest for multiple reasons and his future potential is top-notch. He's got that rare frame you seek for a TE over the middle. He's great in the RedZone and gives the QB a massive target. He's nimble, off the ball quick, and can block effectively. I do think there might be a developing phase at the next level, but I feel confident that once he develops and gets acclimated to that Saturday system, he'll flourish wherever he ends up.     Hurt's added size has taken his game to another level. The extra 30 pounds helped him anchor better in the running game while still keeping the mobility to make plays in the passing game. He put together a strong season, showing he can handle both responsibilities. With his frame filling out and his ability to make plays down the field, I like Hurt to repeat as an All-State TE.     Vecera is a straight-up competitor, and it shows in everything he does. A three-sport athlete, he put up 36 catches for 532 yards and 7 touchdowns on offense, then turned around and racked up 130 tackles, 11 TFLs, 5 interceptions, and 6 pass deflections on defense. He's got the athleticism to make plays all over the field and the motor to never slow down. He does it all for Centerville and is the oil to that engine. They go as he goes and he's easily become one of my favorite hidden gems of the class.     Tuffnell had a breakout season for Zionsville giving them another option in the passing game. He's very comfortable being moved aorund like a WR and can be slotted out wide if needed. He's got a good vertical and can win the highpoint in the Redzone. He's quick and fairly agile for a guy his size. He's a bit light when it comes to blocking, but he could easily put some extra weight on and be an end of line TE. His 31 grabs for 320 yards and 3 TDs were nice, but hopefully we see atleast a duplication in year 4.     Esch has the kind of frame that immediately grabs attention at 6'6”, 220. With that size, you hope the athleticism follows, and if it does, he's got all the tools to be a problem. He's still putting it together, but guys built like him don't come around often. If he can tap into his potential, he's got a chance to turn some heads. He's gotten better every year and the confidence jump from year 2 to 3 was huge, so I'm curious to see if it all comes together as a senior.     Tucked away at a school that doesn't get any attention is Shoemaker, who certainly deserves some eyes. He's a multi-sport athlete who is all over the field for Western in all 3 phases of the game. He even rushed for 472 yards and threw almost 100 passes. He put up 55 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 picks, and 6 passes deflected defensively. He plays with strong hands in the run game and helps open lanes when he's on the end of the line. While he may be a bit raw overall, his ability to produce anywhere at all times on the field suggests he should catch up to the Saturday speed sooner than later.

The 2026 TE class is quietly one of the best classes in recent memory and today we're highlighting just 7 of the tight ends who could be a difference maker on Saturdays.