2026 Rankings: Tight End Stock Risers/New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the Prep Redzone Illinois 2026 Rankings being expanded to 375 prospects there are a ton of new names that have emerged along with prospects that elevated their stock.&nbsp; Here we look at those prospects in <strong>2026 Rankings: Tight End Stock Risers/New Names</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401626' first='Richie' last='Darr'] (Bishop McNamara)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'6" 180 pound pass catcher will need to add some strength going forward but he has a ton of potential.&nbsp; Long and lanky frame that is a vertical threat on the outside. Long strides and wins contested catches. Excellent at high pointing passes consistently winning in jump ball situations. Very good hands and boxes out defensive backs. Good on possession routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1593745' first='Finn' last='Bretag'] (Naperville North)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bretag is a 6'3" 205 pound tight end that can line up in-line or out of the slot.&nbsp; Like the size and fluid route running.&nbsp; Good athlete that snatches catches out of the air.&nbsp; Definitely a pass catcher first, but does have some potential as a blocker too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1292230' first='Hunter' last='Stepanich'] (York)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stepanich is a massive tight end at 6'7" 230 pounds.&nbsp; He has good hands over the middle as a redzone threat.&nbsp; Plays in-line and can also line up as an H-back. Physical blocker and seals on the edge.&nbsp; Best football could be ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801716' first='Santino' last='Whitehead'] (Willowbrook)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whitehead has good size and strength and 6'3" 200 pounds.&nbsp; Blocks well in the open field and is a willing contributor on multiple special teams units.&nbsp; Catches with his hands and is a redzone threat.&nbsp; Best running short routes and quick outs along with jump balls over the middle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1257274' first='Jackson' last='Miranda'] (Minooka)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miranda is a 6'4" and 240 pound big bodied tight end that plays in-line.&nbsp; He is at his best as a blocker where he plays with a ton of physicality.&nbsp; As a pass catcher he has soft hands and is a chain mover with quick routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1303694' first='D'Arion' last='Yarbrough'] (Crete Monee)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Great size at 6'4" 215 pounds.&nbsp; Yarbrough is a physical pass catcher that probably projects best long term as a tight end that can move out to the slot.&nbsp; Good hands in traffic, willing blocker, and has some shake off the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1670089' first='Joseph' last='Akalaonu'] (Carmel)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akalaonu is a 6'2" 215 pound tight end that has a big and bulky frame.&nbsp; Solid blocker and has some natural athletic gifts getting down the seam route.&nbsp; Potential as a vertical threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->