A South Dakota State commit, prospects that choose the Jackrabbits out of high school should never be overlooked in Iowa, and Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE/LB Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA is Exhibit A of that sentiment.

Judah Lock Judah Lock 6'1" | 180 lbs | QB/DB Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA ‘s favorite target at Grand View Christian, Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE/LB Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA is another big-bodied tight end that can out-muscle defensive backs and out-speed linebackers to make catches for the Thunder.

A key cog in the machine that is the Grand View Christian offense, Hoben has caught a career-high 44 receptions for 671 yards and eight touchdowns so far this season.

Back again after being included in the top receivers returning in Class 2A, the tight end/linebacker hybrid for Grand View Christian, Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE/LB Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA is primed for another big season in central Iowa. With 78 tackles to his name, Hoben is a handful for opposing teams on both sides of the ball.

With his 6’5″ and 220-pound frame, Hoben is the ideal size for both positions, using his length to snag tough catches on offense and wrap up ball-carriers on defense. With an element of natural athleticism to boot, Hoben’s commitment to play tight end at South Dakota State makes a ton of sense.

One of the few tight ends that make the leading receiver lists is Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE/LB Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA — one that’s listed as a tight end, anyway. The 6’5″, 220-pound pass-catcher is often split out wide as a hybrid tight end and was productive doing so or Grandview Christian in 2024. Last season, he grabbed 43 catches for 809 yards and seven touchdowns.

With his frame, Hoben shows “go up and get it” capabilities, while also possessing a catch radius that allows him to reach out and snag passes that few other pass-catchers can replicate.

Student-athletes capable of playing tight end usually possess the skills to find success at other positions. Sometimes that’s as a receiver. Edge and outside linebacker also can be options. You see that multi-positional potential when watching Hoben’s junior highlight video. You also witness why stardom could be ahead when he arrives at South Dakota State, where he’ll start his career as a tight end. His 43 receptions for 809 yards and seven touchdowns indicate that’s a good location for him. So, too, does his 11th-grade highlight video. Hoben is a slick route runner with long arms and leaping ability to win contested throws. He also displays impressive speed for his size and a frame capable of adding strength while keeping the athleticism.

Brayden Hoben Brayden Hoben 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE/LB Grand View Christian | 2026 State IA is a strong, lengthy, and athletic prospect that has been almost unguardable as the No. 1 target for the Thunder. Hoben finished with 43 receptions for 809 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. I was impressed with how well Hoben was able to deceive defenders with his route running ability, utilizing stutter-steps and even spin moves to catch defenders off guard. Hoben’s length makes him a reliable redzone threat, and he’s able to get open through all three levels of the secondary. Hoben is a great outside WR, though his status as a TE could increase greatly if he can build some mass this offseason.