Gavin Mueller Sets Decision Date and Locking in Official Visits

South Elgin 2026 Gavin Mueller Gavin Mueller 6'6" | 240 lbs | TE South Elgin | 2026 State IL is a 6'6" 255 pound tight end that is a good in-line player that can move bodies up front in the run game powering with his lower half while latching on to the defender. He shows pass catching ability with crisp routes and vertical potential.  Broad shouldered and powerful dual sport athlete has his best football ahead of him.

Mueller ranks as one of the best prospects in the state and part of the state's three headed monster class of tight end prospects in 2026.  We caught up with him over the weekend playing hoops to get the latest on his recruitment and more. 

The 2026 tight end has been in the weight room getting stronger and excelling in multiple sports.  We saw him over the weekend playing hoops for M14 at the Prep Hoops Chi-Town Tip Off where he was throwing down powerful dunks and playing with quickness which shows on his football tape.  He is also shining in track and field in the shot put and discus.  Last season he went to state in both.

We chatted about what he is working on in the offseason when it comes to football.

“Mainly my feel.  I have all the intangibles with my speed, strength, and size.  I still haven't played a full season of football in my high school career so getting as many live reps as I can.  Obviously we can't go pads right now, but I am doing 7 on 7 and 1 on 1 stuff.”

He is starting to narrow things down when it comes to his recruitment.

“I am planning on committing May 14.  I am not sure where yet.  I have two official visits set and will probably set up two more.  Right now I have Colorado and LSU set.  LSU is May 9-11 and Colorado is May 2-4.  There are three or four other schools that might get the last two.”

What stands out about LSU?

“I love my relationship with the tight ends coach.  Louisiana is a beautiful state.  The tight ends coach is actually from Chicago so he likes the Midwest.  I really like my connection with him.”

He was just out to Colorado for an unofficial visit.

“Obviously meeting Deion Sanders was crazy.  It is kind of cool to let your dad meet their childhood hero is kind of a heartwarming thing.  I like the opportunity at Colorado.  They have some good dudes, but I am confident and believe I can compete with anyone.  Boulder is beautiful.”

What schools are in the mix for those remaining visits?

“I am going to be at Notre Dame this week for my last unofficial.  I will probably schedule and official with them.  It is kind of between Wisconsin, Ole Miss, and some SEC schools.”

Notre Dame is also making a heavy push for him.

“They were second in the country last year which is impressive.  They are #1 at putting tight ends in the NFL.  My relationship with the 2025 commit James Flanagan is great.  We met at the Grill and Chill over the summer and I spent the whole day with him.  Coach Denbrock is very wise and relatable.”

What are the last steps in the recruiting process for Mueller?

“I am going to take my official visits.  My last one will end on the 11^th and then I will commit on the 14^th.  I will probably do the four hats and have it at my high school.”