One of the biggest WR/TE names in Minnesota right now, Colten Gunderson Colten Gunderson 6'7" | 211 lbs | WR/TE Prior Lake | 2026 State MN is a player who’s caught the attention of all of the scouts at Prep Redzone MN. Gunderson emerged as a reliable threat last year, catching 20 passes for 293 yards and a team-high 7 touchdowns last season. Gunderson is an undeniable mismatch on the outside lined up against CBs, which made him the perfect redzone threat for their passing game. Gunderson had a knack for making some spectacular catches last season, and for his size, Gunderson has plenty of agility with the way he turns his body to adjust for the catch. Gunderson has impressive eye tracking and precision and a wide catch radius, catching through press coverage numerous times last season, including a notable bobbled touchdown grab against Woodbury. A talented three-sport athlete, Gunderson’s frame and athleticism has generated quite a lot of attention, and he holds D1 offers from St. Thomas and Northern Iowa for football. It’s evident that Gunderson’s athletic future is very bright.

One of the biggest surprises from last season, and one of the biggest risers from this offseason, Gunderson is a true 6’6″ wideout who possesses a wingspan to match. Reeling in 20 balls for 293 yards and an eye-catching 7 TDs last season, Gunderson just snagged his first D1 offer from the University of Northern Iowa. A surprisingly quick prospect with immense red zone threat potential, Gunderson just needs a ball thrown anywhere near him in the red zone in order for him to make an impact. If he packs on muscle, his ceiling as a tight end is nuts, otherwise, he’s a giant problem for Minnesota DBs one-on-one.

Colten Gunderson Colten Gunderson 6'7" | 211 lbs | WR/TE Prior Lake | 2026 State MN was selected as a MVP among the TE position on Sunday, and he was very difficult for DBs to go against during the event. Gunderson has a solid amount of athleticism as a TE, posting a flat 5-second 40 yard time and a 4.5 second shuttle. Gunderson has an impressive amount of agility for his size, proving to be a nimble route runner that could stretch the field. Gunderson also had some of the best hands during the event, with practically every pass going his way being caught. Gunderson will be interesting to watch this season, and he has the potential to develop more as a go-to target for Prior Lake’s offense in 2025.

One of the more unique prospects I’ve seen in my time with PrepRedzoneMN/Northstar Football News, Prior Lake’s Colten Gunderson Colten Gunderson 6'7" | 211 lbs | WR/TE Prior Lake | 2026 State MN is a 6’6, 205 lb. WR/TE hybrid and one of the most outrageous mismatches and receiving options we’ve seen in Minnesota in a while. Fighting against 6A competition, Gunderson was a redzone and fade ball nightmare for opponents, showing the ball skills, bounce, body control, and overall vertical ability you could only dream of from a 6’6 pass-catcher out on the perimeter with an accomplished basketball background like Gunderson’s. He can win 50/50 balls like it’s no-bodies business, and his catch radius is absolutely massive. Plus, his length and balance are impressive and an asset as a route runner and when fighting through contact and press-man, as well as a blocker when dismantling CBs and safeties downfield, springing his fellow Lakers loose for big gains. The unique, rare, and specific build and skillset, as well as the possibilities and potential his frame presents at 6’6, 205 lbs., make him my choice for the prospect with the #1 most amount of upside in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. However, the lack of verified measurables adds some mystery, but if you want a name that could blow up during the summer camp szn, look no further.

Simultaneously one of the biggest mysteries and most high-potential prospects in Minnesota’s 2026 class, Prior Lake’s Colten Gunderson Colten Gunderson 6'7" | 211 lbs | WR/TE Prior Lake | 2026 State MN is also a 6’6 C/PF on the Lakers basketball squad and a RHP on the baseball team. Gunderson really brings that basketball skillset, size, and length to the gridiron in a dominant way, proving himself to be a dangerous and effective weapon in the passing game and particularly in the redzone. The size advantage, bounce, and ball skills lead to him being a matchup nightmare that can be as hard to adjust to and prepare for, let alone stop.

Gunderson posted 20 catches for 293 yards and 7 TDs in 2024, showing reps of him pulling down catches with multiple receivers draped all over him and owning some rare and dominant contested catch and 50/50 ball ability. The Prior Lake product can reel in receptions through tight coverage and contested hand battles at the catch point, displays good body control, particularly while in the air, and owns good coordination, strong hands, and solid timing in his jumps. His huge catch radius helps him pull down big-time catches while fully extended, in what normally would be an overthrow for a wideout, and he can even expand things when he high-points and climbs the ladder in the air. Gunderson can fight through contact well as a route runner, especially when fighting through press at the LOS, and if he beats and stacks a DB he is at a huge disadvantage throughout the rest of the route. Plus, I see good balance overall, both when working through contact as a route runner and when eating tackle attempts and breaking tackles at his lower body after the catch, and he can drop his hips and break his routes off well for a taller wideout. The junior lines up as a WR flexed outside the LOS, and he uses his length to wipe out DBs as a blocker on the perimeter. Can break down in space to corral DBs in space and runs his feet and overwhelms once he gets his hands on and engages. Opened a ton of holes and constructed some big TD runs for his RBs throughout the year.

Schools have obviously taken notice of his size/skill/film/multi-sport background. Northwestern TE coach Paul Creighton came in to watch Gunderson hoop, personally inviting him to their one-day camp this summer, and UNI and St. Thomas have invited him to their junior day. Keep an eye on the Prior Lake junior as a big-time sleeper and darkhorse in the race for P4 status in MN. I’m hoping to get some measurables and verified athletic data on him this summer, and if they look as promising and strong as the film suggests, don’t be surprised to see Gunderson’s ranking continue to rise.

On a third and long, Gunderson used his height, allowing him to make a catch in traffic for a 20-yard gain and a first down. He was slightly overthrown a couple of times earlier in the game but showed he was a deep threat. He finally got into the end zone when he caught a short touchdown pass on a crossing route.

Off the bat, Gunderson’s surface resume is quite the eye-catcher. Gunderson is only a junior, is already a 6’6, 205 lb. WR and TE with an excellent frame and great length, and is also a standout multi-sporter for the Lakers who pitches on the baseball team and is a center on the basketball squad. He also holds a 4.08 GPA. Gunderson’s midseason tape is very intriguing, to say the least. A massive, big-bodied pass catcher with eye-catching speed, quickness, and overall juice in the pass game, Gunderson displays solid burst and speed for his size and some shake in his releases at the LOS. He can beat man coverage thanks to his speed, stacks DBs when he gets a step on them and can break his routes off smoothly and effectively to create separation at the top of the route. The ball skills and 50/50, contested catch ability is very intriguing as well. Gunderson owns real-deal ball skills and is an asset in 50/50, contested catch situations, especially as a big-time mismatch and weapon in the redzone. He shows a huge catch radius, does a good job of reeling in catches while fully extended, tracks and plays the ball well in the air, and uses his big body to box out defenders and not allow them to even make a play on the ball. The 205 lber. also uses his long, strong legs to slip through tackle attempts after the catch, and is a good blocker as well. The hard-to-find, premier size, as well as obvious pass-catching ability and skillset, makes Gunderson’s ceiling enticingly high, and I can’t wait to get this kid on the 2026 rankings. Scholarship programs: get on him!