As the 2026 college football season creeps closer, it’s hard not to get excited about the top returning tight ends. Pro Football Focus (PFF) just dropped their latest rankings, spotlighting players who’ve shown off some serious skill and athleticism.
This list gives a nod to what these guys have already pulled off, but it’s also a bit of a teaser—there’s a lot to look forward to from these standout athletes.
Top Returning Tight Ends for the 2026 Season
Some names just pop when you look at the tight end position for 2026. Their performances and upside are tough to ignore.
They’ve proven themselves as receivers and blockers, which makes them huge assets for their teams.
Trey’Dez Green – LSU
Trey’Dez Green from LSU lands at the top spot for returning tight ends. The guy’s a freak athlete—6-foot-7, 240 pounds, and he’s clocked over 20 miles per hour in top speed.
Green turned heads as a true freshman in 2024, then really broke out as a sophomore with seven receiving touchdowns, tying him for second in the FBS. He’s not perfect—blocking still needs work—but his red zone presence and physical gifts have folks already talking about him as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Terrance Carter Jr. – Texas Tech
Terrance Carter Jr. at Texas Tech sits right behind Green. Carter led all tight ends with 23 forced missed tackles in 2025, which is just wild.
Switching from Louisiana to Texas Tech didn’t slow him down at all. He pulled an 82.2 PFF grade, good for fourth among tight ends nationwide, and his 1,315 receiving yards since 2024 are tops among returning players at the position.
Kenyon Sadiq – Louisville
Now, Kenyon Sadiq is getting first-round NFL buzz for 2026, but his teammate Johnson actually outshined him as a receiving tight end last year. Johnson was PFF’s fifth most valuable tight end and ranked seventh in receiving grade at 85.2.
He averaged 2.45 yards per route run, which put him fourth in the country, and his 291 yards after the catch were ninth. With Sadiq moving on, it feels like Johnson’s about to have his moment.
Emerging Stars and Solid Performers
There’s more to the tight end story than just the top three. A handful of other guys have flashed serious potential and could have big years in 2026.
They’ve made their marks as both receivers and blockers, and their teams are counting on them.
Chudzinski – Boston College
Chudzinski wasn’t a big-name recruit—just 128th at his position in the 2025 class—but he made noise as a freshman at Boston College. His 83.6 PFF run-blocking grade was third among tight ends with at least 50 blocking snaps.
He also managed 2.25 yards per route run, tenth in the country. With Jeremiah Franklin gone, Chudzinski’s about to get a lot more attention.
Vonnahme – Iowa
Vonnahme is next in line for Iowa’s tight end legacy, which is a pretty high bar. As a redshirt freshman, he averaged 3.10 yards per route run—second-best in the FBS.
He also earned an 83.1 PFF receiving grade, tying him for ninth nationally. Blocking needs work, but as a receiving threat, he’s definitely on the radar for 2026.
Hasley – Duke
Hasley had a breakout year as a redshirt junior at Duke. His 74.9 PFF run-blocking grade was eighth in the Power Four, and he forced 13 missed tackles—third-most in the FBS.
He also tied for sixth with six receiving touchdowns and racked up 287 yards after the catch. Duke’s new quarterback will probably look his way a lot.
Notable Mentions and Rising Talents
There are a few more tight ends who deserve a shoutout. They’ve shown flashes and could be difference-makers for their teams in 2026.
Wade – UCF
Wade started as a solid receiver at Maryland in 2024, then took another step after transferring to UCF. He’s put up 897 receiving yards since 2024, the most among returning Power Four tight ends.
Wade is dangerous with the ball in his hands—he finished sixth nationally with 323 yards after the catch last season. He’s not much of a run-blocker, but his receiving chops keep him in the mix.
Brahmer – Penn State
Brahmer followed coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State. He had a promising start as a freshman in 2023, missed time with injury as a sophomore, but bounced back as a junior.
He posted 446 receiving yards, which put him 25th among tight ends, and his six touchdowns tied for sixth. At 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds, Brahmer is a real problem for defenses in the red zone.
Oakley – Kansas State
Oakley has been Kansas State’s top tight end for two years running. He’s got 13 career receiving touchdowns and scored six last season.
Oakley is tough at the catch point, hauling in six of eight contested targets. His 65.5 PFF run-blocking grade ranked fifth in the Big 12, so he’s a true all-around guy.
Clarke – Temple
Clarke is the lone Group of Five player to crack the list. He led all tight ends with a 90.5 PFF grade last season, and his 87.5 receiving grade was fourth nationally.
Clarke also posted an 81.4 run-blocking grade, good for third. Hailing from London, England, he’s quietly become one of the most underrated players in college football.
DeGraaf – Washington
DeGraaf has carved out a real role in Washington’s passing game over his first two seasons. He’s racked up 593 receiving yards, putting him seventh among returning Power Four tight ends.
People talk about his athleticism and knack for getting separation. As a junior, DeGraaf’s probably going to see an even bigger role in the Huskies’ offense.
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