2029 Illinois Tight Ends Starting Strong in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 season is still young, but several sophomore tight ends across Illinois are already making an impact at the varsity level. Tight end can be a difficult position for young players to break through at, making the early production from this Class of 2029 group worth watching as the season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grayson Stone — Highland</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stone has been one of the most productive sophomore tight ends in the state to start the season. Through three games, the Highland sophomore has caught <strong>12 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns</strong>, averaging <strong>16.1 yards per reception</strong>. His 12 catches lead this group, and the consistent involvement in Highland's passing attack is impressive for a sophomore. Stone has already shown he can be more than an occasional target and is establishing himself as a legitimate piece of the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kayden Jenkins — Martinsville</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins has put up some eye-catching numbers in limited action for Martinsville. The sophomore has turned just <strong>five receptions into 148 yards and three touchdowns</strong>, an outstanding <strong>29.6 yards per catch</strong>. The touchdown production immediately stands out, with three of his five receptions finding the end zone. Jenkins has shown some serious big-play ability early in his sophomore season and will be an interesting prospect to follow as he gets more opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Knox Hayes — Mattoon</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayes has gotten his sophomore campaign off to a productive start at Mattoon, recording <strong>seven receptions for 121 yards through two games</strong>. He's averaging <strong>17.3 yards per catch</strong> and more than 60 receiving yards per game. Hayes is listed as both a tight end and wide receiver, and that versatility in the passing game is something to keep an eye on as his role continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mason Swaw — Tinley Park</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swaw is making an impact as a two-way player for Tinley Park, lining up at tight end and outside linebacker. On offense, he has caught <strong>six passes for 114 yards and a touchdown through three games</strong>, averaging an impressive <strong>19.0 yards per reception</strong>. That type of production shows Swaw isn't simply being used as a short-yardage option. He's generating chunk plays when targeted and has quickly become another sophomore tight end worth tracking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Finn McMahon — Grayslake North</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMahon has also made the most of his opportunities early for Grayslake North. Through two games, the sophomore tight end has <strong>four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown</strong>, averaging <strong>19.3 yards per catch</strong>. The volume hasn't been huge yet, but the efficiency certainly stands out. Nearly 20 yards per reception from the tight end position is noteworthy, and McMahon has already shown the ability to make his touches count.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->