Rankings Dive: 2026 TE's

[player_tooltip player_id='1692411' first='Will' last='Akingbade']: Reliable Pass-Catcher and Physical Blocker with Emerging Potential   [player_tooltip player_id='1692411' first='Will' last='Akingbade'] is a offensive weapon who thrives in the middle of the field, serving as a dependable, quick-release target along the hashes. Whether it's moving the chains on short routes or making a catch in tight coverage, Akingbade's timing and hands make him a valuable safety valve for his quarterback.   But his impact doesn't stop with the passing game, Akingbade is also an effective blocker. He consistently shows good technique in the run game, getting his hips turned and sealing the edge to open lanes for his running backs. His physicality and willingness to do the dirty work make him a complete contributor at the position.   In July, Akingbade earned his first Division I offer from Hampton University, marking the beginning of what could be a promising recruitment. Akingbade is a name to watch as he continues to develop into a well-rounded offensive asset.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/akingbade_will/status/1944872145194246593 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1607591' first='John' last='Juppe']: Physical, Versatile Tight End with Red Zone Upside and Blocking Power   [player_tooltip player_id='1607591' first='John' last='Juppe'] is a true dual-threat tight end who makes a impact in both the run and pass game. At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, he brings an ideal frame to the position and plays with the physicality and effort that offensive coordinators love.   In the run game, Juppe plays with a nasty streak—frequently pulling across the formation and leading the way for ball carriers. Once he gets his hands on a defender, he drives them off the ball and finishes through the whistle, setting the tone up front. His ability to control the edge and move defenders adds real value to any ground attack.   As a receiver, Juppe has all the traits of a red zone mismatch. He uses his size to shield defenders and absorb contact, making him a reliable target in traffic. Whether working underneath or on seam routes, he provides a big, physical target with soft hands and a high football IQ.   Juppe recently added offers from the University at Albany and Marist, bringing his total to four. With his size, physicality, and versatility, Juppe continues to emerge as one of the more complete tight end prospects in his class    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jajuppe/status/1948039014088601927 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1696489' first='Jack' last='Gaskins']: Physical, Explosive Tight End with Blocking Power and Reliable Hands   [player_tooltip player_id='1696489' first='Jack' last='Gaskins'] is an aggressive, hard-nosed tight end prospect who plays with an edge on every snap. At the point of contact, Gaskins brings explosive power, consistently knocking defenders backward and setting the tone in the run game. His ability to sustain blocks and finish with authority has earned him multiple downfield pancakes, making him a valuable asset in any power run scheme.   In the passing game, Gaskins complements his physicality with soft, reliable hands. He catches the ball cleanly away from his body and quickly transitions upfield, wasting no time turning short gains into meaningful yardage. His blend of physicality, quick-twitch effort, and receiving ability make him a true all-around tight end with upside at the next level.   Standing at 6-foot-4 with a strong frame, Gaskins has the size and skill set that college programs look for in a traditional in-line tight end. He recently earned his first Division I offer from Lehigh University this month, a sign that his recruitment is just beginning to heat up.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JackGaskins80/status/1952529966731567184 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1611588' first='Ira' last='Yates']: Physical Offensive Weapon with Versatility and Toughness After the Catch   [player_tooltip player_id='1611588' first='Ira' last='Yates'] is a tough, athletic offensive weapon who brings a physical edge every time he touches the football. Currently holding offers from West Virginia State and Clarion University, Yates continues to emerge as a versatile playmaker with a downhill mentality.   Lined up primarily at tight end, Yates has also been utilized in the run game by Caravel, where he's shown he's far more than another blocking back. On film, he runs through contact with authority, breaking tackles, lowering his shoulder, and fighting for extra yards. His aggressive, no-nonsense running style makes him a difficult matchup in the open field and a reliable chain-mover in short-yardage situations.   After the catch, Yates shifts into a ball-carrier mindset, turning upfield with power. His ability to blend athleticism with physicality gives him true versatility in multiple offensive sets.   With a strong senior season, Yates has the potential to draw more attention as a tough, multipurpose threat who can contribute at the next level in a variety of ways.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/IraYates_c26/status/1940857110235054409 </div></figure>      RJ Samuels: Versatile Receiving Threat with Length, Toughness, and Playmaking Ability   RJ Samuels is an emerging pass-catching talent who brings size, versatility, and toughness to every snap. With the ability to stretch the field vertically and contribute in the short game, Samuels consistently finds ways to move the chains and make impact plays across multiple levels of the field.   He catches the ball cleanly away from his body, showing natural hands and strong concentration. After the catch, Samuels turns into a physical runner, breaking tackles and fighting for critical yardage. His long frame and wide catch radius make him a reliable target. What truly sets Samuels apart is his positional flexibility. He lines up both at tight end and outside receiver, and makes plays from both spots,   Samuels currently holds one Division I offer from in-state Morgan State University. As he continues to showcase his length, ball skills, and all-around playmaking ability, expect more programs to take notice of this multi-dimensional offensive weapon.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/rj_samuels27/status/1917348956490580324 </div></figure>