As the transfer portal opens, tight end remains an underrated position. Tight ends contribute as reliable pass catchers and blockers. Whether offering quarterbacks a larger target to make key catches or providing essential blocking, they are critical to most offenses. Which tight ends stand out in the portal?
10) Mason Williams, Ohio University
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 77.4 (C+)
One of the better pass-blocking tight ends in the MAC, Williams also offers excellent size (6’5″, 258 pounds) and is capable of walling off defenders on his targets. While he may not stretch the field, the sure-handed junior (80% catch rate) consistently finds soft spots in the zone to keep the chains moving or at least make third downs manageable.
Pro-style offenses could benefit from his skill set. Williams ranked No. 62 in the PFSN College TE Impact metric.
9) Jayvontay Conner, East Carolina
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 77.5 (C+)
Conner is a rangy receiving tight end who consistently wins down the seam against linebackers and some safeties, as shown by his 14.5 yards per catch. In short areas, he uses his body to shield against quicker corners.
During his stint at ECU, Conner played in an uptempo spread offense, which translates well to other spread schemes, including RPO-heavy ones that place decision-making in the quarterback’s hands. Conner can carve out space to make grabs, then turn upfield and keep would-be tacklers on his hip.
8) Gabe Burkle, Iowa State University
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 77.5 (C+)
Burkle is a volume catcher who enjoyed the second-most targets among Cyclones. The senior thrives on a variety of routes, presenting more as an H-back than an in-line blocker. Burkle is not a great blocker; he tends to merely occupy defenders instead of actively engaging them. He will function best in a fluid offense with multiple sets, as he did at ISU.
7) Rocky Beers, Colorado State
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 78.1 (C+)
The most trusted tight end on this list, Beers became a prime red-zone target for the Rams, hauling in seven touchdowns. With one year of eligibility left, he could look for a team competing for a national title. After transferring twice, Beers needs an offense that plays faster than most. While he isn’t a strong blocker, he does enough to remain effective.
6) Gavin Harris, New Mexico State
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 78.2 (C+)
Another two-time transfer, Harris enjoys the luxury of having two years of eligibility remaining. Unlike Beers, Harris can run with long strides and a sturdy gait, but he struggles to secure the ball. With a catch percentage below 60%, he leaves too many yards on the field. His next team could use spring practice to help improve his concentration.
5) Benjamin Brahmer, Iowa State
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 78.4 (C+)
Brahmer is an enormous target (6’7″, 255 pounds) who uses his frame like a power forward, boxing out smaller defenders. His soft hands and sharp route running resulted in six touchdowns this season for the Cyclones. His next team could use the portal player in 12 personnel traditionally or as a move tight end. Brahmer needs to improve his blocking; his high pad level prevents him from anchoring in the run game, where his height becomes a disadvantage.
4) Hayden Hansen, Florida
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 78.6 (C+)
Largely an afterthought in the Gators’ offense, Hansen brings big-game experience. Exposure to challenging SEC crowds has given him a thicker skin, which adds to his value. While not particularly fast, he runs crisp routes in short areas. Hansen’s efficiency could benefit a Power Four team.
3) Jett Carpenter, Nevada
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 79.3 (C+)
The former FCS transfer hopes to parlay his year in Reno into a lucrative opportunity elsewhere. Carpenter is a reliable receiver who gained his quarterback’s trust, leading UNR with 48 targets. Carpenter’s real value is in run blocking, where he consistently drives defenders back, pins down ends or linebackers, and creates run lanes. He finishes blocks with authority.
2) Dorian Thomas, New Mexico
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 80.6
On film, Thomas displays only one major weakness: blocking. However, this is unlikely to deter his suitors. The sophomore received 72 targets, and he profiles as a hands-catcher who plucks the ball from the air. The Lobos wanted to control the ball, deploying Thomas as the type of tight end who can catch passes on multiple levels.
1) Brody Foley, Tulsa
PFSN College TE Impact Score: 80.9 (B-)
Among all listed players, Foley provides the best mix of pass catching, athleticism, route skills, and blocking. At six-foot-six and 260 pounds, he excels at contested catches and can separate from defenses. His seven touchdowns and 14.3 yards per catch demonstrate this.
In addition to his strength and explosiveness, Foley disrupts zones by attacking linebackers and drawing them out of position. In blocking, he uses arm extension to keep defenders away from the play.
