Today’s college tight ends are matchup nightmares, explosive athletes who can stretch the field and overpower defenders in space. This list ranks the top 10 heading into 2025 based on receiving upside, route-running, offensive usage, and NFL projection. Blocking counts, but it’s the pass-game production that sets them apart. These are the TEs built to move the chains and rack up touchdowns.

Here are the Top 10 TEs:

1. Justin Joly (NC State, Junior)
   • Why He’s #1: Pure receiving production and athleticism. Joly led all Power Four TEs with 661 receiving yards in 2024 (5th nationally among TEs) and ranked 6th in contested catches (11) and forced missed tackles (12). His 15.4 yards per catch screams big-play threat.
   • The Fit: With WR Kevin Concepcion gone, Joly is QB CJ Bailey’s undisputed top target. NC State’s offense runs through him. Expect heavy volume and high-leverage targets.
   • NFL Trajectory: Elite separator with “black hole hands.” Undersized (6’3″, 235 lbs) but compensates with exceptional fluidity and ball skills. Projects as a Day 2 pick with significant receiving role potential. C2C Cornerstone & Top Devy TE.
2. Max Klare (Ohio State, Junior)
   • Why He’s #2: Elite route-running technician. Klare possesses “abnormally high fluidity” and “sharp footwork,” creating consistent separation, especially against LBs. Survived poor QB play at Purdue (51 rec, 685 yds, 4 TD) – now gets an elite passer in Columbus.
   • The Fit: Perfect for Ohio State’s precision passing attack. Expect Klare to feast on curls, digs, and outs, moving the chains relentlessly. His savvy against zone coverage is a major asset.
   • NFL Trajectory: Draft buzz is loud. Compares favorably to Sam LaPorta. Needs to add strength/mass, but his route-running is pro-ready. Projected 2nd/3rd rounder. High-Floor CFF Gem & Rising NFL Stock.
3. Luke Reynolds (Penn State, Sophomore)
   • Why He’s #3: Highest ceiling on the list. A former 5-star recruit and converted QB, Reynolds flashed elite athleticism (4.5 speed, 38″ vert) in limited action (9 rec, 111 yds, 1 TD) backing up Tyler Warren (104 rec in ’24!).
   • The Fit: The TE1 job is his. With Warren gone and a new QB, Reynolds becomes a focal point. Penn State’s TE lineage (5 straight drafted starters) means heavy usage. Expect a massive volume jump.
   • NFL Trajectory: Freak athlete prototype (6’4″, 252 lbs). If his blocking develops, he’s a future 1st-round talent. Already a dynamic pass-catcher. Prime Breakout Candidate & Elite Devy Asset.
4. Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon, Junior)
   • Why He’s #4: Elite athleticism in a high-octane system. Sadiq boasts the PFF grade (80.4) among returning Big Ten TEs. A “freak athlete” creating mismatches with speed and improved blocking.
   • The Fit: Coach Dan Lanning stated Sadiq “will 100% be a focal point.” Oregon’s creative offense maximizes versatile TEs. Expect increased targets beyond his 24 rec, 308 yds, 2 TD in ’24.
   • NFL Trajectory: Shorter than ideal (listed ~6’4″) but makes up for it with speed and tenacity. Projects as a versatile NFL weapon. High-Upside CFF Beast & Strong Devy Pick.
5. R.J. Maryland (SMU, Senior)
   • Why He’s #5: Proven production machine before injury. Maryland was SMU’s top receiver in ’24 (24 rec, 359 yds, 4 TD in 7 games), including an 8-catch, 162-yard explosion. SMU’s pass-heavy scheme is TE-friendly.
   • The Fit: Healthy again, he’s the centerpiece of SMU’s playoff-caliber offense. Used everywhere – in-line, slot, backfield. Expect significant volume and red-zone looks.
   • NFL Trajectory: Complete TE (70.2 PFF Blocking Grade). Needs to show full recovery, but has the tools (6’4″, 240 lbs) and proven receiving ability (17 career TDs) for Day 2 consideration. Safe CFF Stud & Reliable NFL Prospect.
6. Joe Royer (Cincinnati, Redshirt Senior)
   • Why He’s #6: Record-setting security blanket. Royer set Cincy’s single-season TE receptions record (50 rec, 521 yds, 3 TD) in ’24. With no returning starting WRs, he’s QB Brendan Sorsby’s #1 target.
   • The Fit: Offensive engine. Royer is a complete TE (blocker + receiver) in a system needing reliability. Massive target share is guaranteed. Broke a record held by Travis Kelce.
   • NFL Trajectory: Returned to school to become the top TE in the ’26 draft (significant Day 2 draft buzz). Polished, high-IQ player. Volume-Driven CFF Anchor & Rising NFL Draft Stock.
7. Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt, Redshirt Senior)
   • Why He’s #7: The ultimate versatile weapon. Stowers led Vandy in receptions (49), yards (638), and TDs (5) in ’24. Used as a TE, WR, H-back, and even took RB carries. A matchup nightmare.
   • The Fit: Vanderbilt’s entire offensive identity revolves around getting Stowers the ball creatively. Expect similar or increased volume in ’25.
   • NFL Trajectory: “Swiss army knife” potential praised by analysts. Athleticism and versatility are his calling cards. Projects as potential Day 1/2 pick, with some analysts considering him the top tight end in the 2026 class. High-Volume CFF Option & Intriguing NFL Project.
8. Linkon Cure (Kansas State, Freshman)
   • Why He’s #8: Unparalleled freshman upside. The highest-rated recruit in K-State history (5-star). Elite size (6’5″), athleticism (hurdles state champ), ball skills (“black hole hands”), and YAC ability.
   • The Fit: K-State (Klieman/Riley) excels with unique talents. Expect early snaps in passing packages and creative usage. Needs development but talent is undeniable.
   • NFL Trajectory: Future first-round potential if he develops physically and as a blocker. True “jumbo WR” mold with elite traits. High-Risk/High-Reward CFF Stash & Premier Devy Prospect.
9. Oscar Delp (Georgia, Senior)
   • Why He’s #9: Opportunity meets pedigree in a proven system. Delp (21 rec, 248 yds, 4 TD in ’24) waited behind Brock Bowers. Now, with a new QB, he’s poised to be the primary security blanket.
   • The Fit: Georgia utilizes TEs heavily. Delp’s experience and reliable hands make him a prime red-zone and chain-moving target for QB Ryan Puglisi.
   • NFL Trajectory: “First-round talent” per scouts. Needs a true breakout season to solidify stock, but the physical tools (6’4″, 240+ lbs) and system fit are ideal. Breakout Candidate & Solid NFL Draft Prospect.
10. Jack Velling (Michigan State, Senior)
    • Why He’s #10: Part of a dominant duo in a rising offense. Velling (36 rec, 411 yds, 1 TD in ’24) forms the Big Ten’s top TE tandem with Michael Masunas. Followed HC Jonathan Smith from Oregon State.
    • The Fit: Smith’s offense features TEs. With Masunas healthy, Velling benefits from defensive attention spread thin. Expect improved efficiency and red-zone chances.
    • NFL Trajectory: Needs a more explosive ’25 to climb boards. Reliable hands and good size (6’5″, 244 lbs), but must show more playmaking. CFF Depth with Upside & Late-Round NFL Potential.

Apply These Rankings to Win:

• Win Your CFF League: Target Joly, Klare, Reynolds, Sadiq, Maryland, and Royer early. They offer the clearest path to elite TE production due to proven roles and offensive systems. Cure is a high-upside stash.
• Build Your Devy Roster: Prioritize Reynolds (highest ceiling), Cure (elite freshman), Klare (pro-ready), Sadiq (elite athlete), and Delp (UGA pedigree). These players have the clearest paths to early-round NFL draft capital.
• Scout Like the Pros: Focus on route-running nuance (Klare, Joly), athleticism testing (Sadiq, Cure, Reynolds), contested catch ability (Joly, Cure), and YAC potential (Maryland, Stowers). These translate directly to NFL success.

This preseason ranking identifies the TEs positioned to dominate the air attack in 2025. Prioritize receiving skills, offensive role, and volume projection. Target these difference-makers early and watch them elevate your team, both on virtual Saturdays and future NFL Draft boards.

FAQ

Q1: Why focus primarily on receiving stats for college TEs?

While blocking remains important, modern fantasy scoring heavily rewards receptions, yardage, and touchdowns. Elite receiving tight ends move the chains and rack up PPR points, and those pass-game skills translate directly to NFL draft capital.

Q2: How much should blocking ability factor into my TE ranking?

Blocking is a baseline requirement—every starting TE must handle run-and-pass blocking duties. Beyond that, prioritize players who can separate, catch in traffic, and gain yards after catch. Those traits drive weekly fantasy production and pro upside.

Q3: When is it too early to stash a freshman TE like Linkon Cure?

Only reach for a freshman if there’s a clear path to early snaps (scheme fit, coaching trust) and the athletic testing is elite. Cure meets both criteria—he’s already in a TE-friendly system and possesses “black-hole” hands plus tremendous size/speed.

Q4: How do I balance “safe” producers vs. high-upside boom/bust TEs?

Tier 1–2 (Joly, Klare, Reynolds, Sadiq, Maryland, Royer) offer safe weekly production—they’re your CFF TE1 starters. Tier 3–4 (Stowers, Cure, Delp, Velling) carry more developmental or situational risk but massive upside. Draft a foundation of Tier 1–2, then sprinkle in Tier 3–4 stashes late.

Q5: How often should I revisit these TE rankings?

Check them three times per season:

1. Spring Camp – Roles usually lock in.

2. Fall Camp / Preseason Scrimmages – Confirm snaps, target share shifts.

3. Final Injury & Depth Chart Check (Late August) – Lock in PUP statuses and any surprise depth-chart movements before Week 1.

Q6: What’s the best trade strategy around TEs?

Sell high when your CFF TE1 (e.g. Joly or Klare) outperforms expectations early—move for other roster needs.

Buy low on high-upside stashes (Cure, Stowers) after minimal early usage but strong camp buzz.

Swap down if you already have a Tier 1–2 TE to accumulate late-round Devy picks for deep‐league TE lottery tickets.