MN Top-Notch TEs to Watch in 2026

Minnesota has been known for generating strong talents at the TE position, ranging from potent blockers acting as an additional bookend to the run game toward rangy athletes that can break out in space and stretch the passing game. Minnesota has generated several D1-caliber talents at the position over the last few years, and entering the 2026 season, there are 6 names that should see themselves thriving among the top TEs in the state to keep an eye on!    For a passing offense that averaged over 308 yards per game over the air last season, they were able to generate quite a lot out of their top receivers, including for the most coveted TE prospect in MN entering 2027 in [player_tooltip player_id='1633384' first='De'Mandre' last='Frierson-Hollie']. Hollie led the team with 1025 receiving yards on 61 receptions (16.8 YPC) and 12 receiving TDs, ranking 3rd in the entire state in receiving yards. Hollie was outstanding in the passing game, using his lengthy frame to win consistently on contested throws and high-pointing catches over defender's heads with ease. Possessing a strong combination of speed, strength, and overall skill at the TE position, Hollie holds a D1 offer from South Dakota, but with the numbers he's been putting up already, he's bound to receive a lot more attention from D1 scouts entering his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1657081' first='Marlowe' last='Strain'] is a potent run-blocking TE who's been noted for his physicality and aggressiveness as a blocker, helping pave the way for Zack Shatek's dominant campaign rushing for over 1800+ yards last season. Strain is as tough as they come on the trenches, showing strong hands and potency toward his drive and down blocks to open up lanes for his RB. Strain is considerably fast off the snap, using his speed to win his matchups and get first contact on the defender. That speed could be utilized more in the passing game, and I would like to see Strain more in the passing game, but he's a legitimate stud at the position who already holds offers from North and South Dakota, and likely will see more coming his way entering 2026.     Not exactly a TE, but [player_tooltip player_id='1691430' first='Kormick' last='Smith'] has been quite the multi-purpose tool for the Trojans, excelling at RB, Edge rusher, and Punter. Offensively, Smith ran for 275 yards (6.7 YPC) and 2 rushing TDs while adding 5 receptions for 120 yards and a TD. His size and athleticism suits him well either at Edge or at the Tight End position, and he boasts impressive testing numbers, including a 4.6 40 yard time, a 30.9" vertical jump, and a 465 lb max squat. A bruising runner who's difficult to tackle, but also boasts impressive speed to outrun opposing LBs in the passing game, Smith's versatility as a runner, blocker, and receiver makes him one of the most intriguing athletes in MN for the class of 2027, and one that could easily suit as a versatile all-purpose threat at the next level.     Despite their struggles last season, Lakeville North will benefit with multiple returning starters to bolster the offense, among those being premier TE prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1626389' first='Brady' last='Kemp']. Kemp led the offense in receiving last season with 138 yards on 12 catches and 2 TDs. While he held a limited sample size for catches, Kemp flashed with strong hands and shows potential as a vertical threat with has the length and physicality to make catches through traffic as well as an impressive high-point range. While the Panthers struggled with just 1 win last season, Kemp's efforts have certainly not been overlooked, and he will certainly be one of the focal leaders for the Panthers entering his senior season.     The first of two upcoming junior prospects, [player_tooltip player_id='1653223' first='Keaton' last='Hansen'] has time to build his frame, and he's made an immediate impact maintaining the potent success Byron has had over the last few seasons. In the passing game, Hansen had 7 catches for 178 yards (25.4 YPC) and 3 TDs. Considering the Bears' success they've had on the run, Hansen's usage in the passing game was limited, making it a surprise when he broke out for a route, getting behind the secondary and having the speed to break away for a long gain. Hansen is a longer athlete with an impressive wingspan and great extension, utilizing it well in the run-game and blocking in the short-pass game. It will be exciting to see how much more dangerous Hansen will become with more weight over the next few seasons.     A potent and dynamic athlete for the Pioneers, [player_tooltip player_id='1651178' first='Brady' last='Reeves'] was a key force in guiding Hill-Murray to the state quarterfinal round last season. Reeves caught 25 passes for 327 yards and 9 TDs in 2025. Reeves isn't the tallest at the position, but he's an athletic mismatch against his peers, with his testing numbers suggesting his unique athleticism, including a 4.7 40 yard time, a 265 lb max bench, and a 365 lb max squat. Reeves' speed and route-running ability makes him look more like a bigger-bodied WR the way he plays, and he showcases outstanding range as a pass-catcher. Reeves shall remain as a top target for Hill-Murray's passing game as they look to make a push toward the 4A title after coming short last season.

Minnesota has been known for generating strong talents at the TE position, ranging from potent blockers acting as an additional bookend to the run game toward rangy athletes that can break out in space and stretch the passing game. Minnesota has generated several D1-caliber talents at the position over the last few years, and entering the 2026 season, there are 6 names that should see themselves thriving among the top TEs in the state to keep an eye on!