Hayden is one of the top talents at the TE position overall here in WI, and he is the top ranked uncommitted TE in the Class of 2026. Hayden isn’t an elite athlete at TE, but has the long strides to eat up yards after the catch. The ’26 TE thrives on the short-intermediate receptions where he can turn up field, beat LBs to the edge, or lower the shoulder on DBs. Hayden is an excellent redzone threat where he can use that size and massive catch radius to high point the ball at points where the DB can’t get to. Hayden also fits the traditional TE role with his impact as a run blocker. Anderson is able to kick out DL after pulling across the formation or attack out of his stance and drive edge defenders off the line of scrimmage. This is the first place to go for teams looking for a big, strong, mismatch at TE.

Another in-season find during a live game was Mount Horeb’s Hayden Anderson Hayden Anderson 6'6" | 225 lbs | TE Mount Horeb | 2026 State WI . The 6’6″ 225 lbs TE looks the part of a high-end, traditional TE prospect. Meaning that he is going to be an impact player in the run game just as much as he will in the pass game. As a receiver, Hayden is a smooth route runner and provides a massive size mismatch. A mismatch that thrives in the redzone and all 50/50 ball scenarios. Just like at the end of his receptions, Hayden doesn’t shy away from contact as a run blocker. He is used on a lot of kick-out blocks where he easily opens up the running lane for his back. The kid goes hunting for blocks to throw any time a run is called. Pumped to see how his summer unfolds.

I was impressed when I watched Hayden in person during the season, and getting another look at the junior TE has left a lasting impression. First off, Hayden has elite size for the TE position at 6’6″ 220 lbs and the big man plays with it so comfortably. The TE is able to move and change direction with surprising ease at his size thanks to body control, balance, and footwork. In the season we got to watch him to a lot of work as a blocker. At the showcase we got to see what he can do as a receiver. Hayden fits the mold of a dominant TE recruit. He is a smooth route runner who can quickly get up the seam with his long strides. The junior is able to quickly locate the ball and use his immense size to box out DBs. It was also great to see the TE be a consistent hands catcher away from his body. Hayden is one of the top TEs returning in 2026.