Top 10 Campus Tight Ends to Draft Late

Winning in CFF and Devy isn’t just about landing the big names, it’s about finding value where others aren’t looking. Tight end is a position where depth dries up fast, but the late rounds are filled with hidden gems who can become weekly starters. Whether it’s a proven role player stepping into a bigger workload or a true freshman flashing early, these are the guys who can turn your last-round pick into a league-winning steal.

1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt

   Stowers isn’t just a sleeper, he’s a security blanket. After reinventing himself from a quarterback to a tight end, he became a focal point of Vanderbilt’s offense in 2024, hauling in 49 receptions for 638 yards and five touchdowns. The most critical metric for fantasy managers: he ran routes on a staggering 92% of his offensive snaps. He is quarterback Diego Pavia’s “go-to guy” and a constant mismatch in the passing game. His established connection with his QB in a system they both know intimately makes him the safest bet among late-round options. He’s a proven producer hiding in plain sight at a developing program.

2. Jack Endries, Texas

   When searching for late-round value, target players who have already handled a massive workload. Endries did just that at California in 2024, leading the team with 56 catches for 623 yardswhile playing a nation-leading 859 offensive snapsamong tight ends. He is the definition of a reliable possession receiver. Now, he steps into a Texas offense that just sent productive TE Gunnar Helm to the NFL. His role as a safety valve for new quarterback Arch Manning is a perfect fit for his skill set. He might not be the flashiest pick, but his proven ability to handle a large target share translates to a very high fantasy floor.

3. Max Klare, Ohio State

   Klare was a workhorse at Purdue, leading the team with 51 receptions for 685 yardsand earning Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. He carries a streak of 17 consecutive games with multiple catchesinto 2025, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Now, he moves to an Ohio State offense that is a perennial juggernaut. The vacated targets and superior offensive talent around him create a path for his efficiency and touchdown numbers to skyrocket. He’s a classic case of a player who has already proven he can produce, now getting a massive upgrade in situation.

4. Justin Joly, NC State

   Joly isn’t just a chain-mover, he’s a home-run hitter. He led NC State in receiving yards (661) in 2024 while averaging an impressive 15.4 yards per reception, the fourth-best mark among all FBS tight ends. This proves he is a downfield weapon, not just a check-down option. He returns to a stable offensive system where he is already the established top target and a preseason Mackey Award watch list member. His ability to create yards after the catch provides a weekly ceiling that is rare for a player available in the later rounds.

5. Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

   Sadiq is the archetypal high-upside lottery ticket. His 2024 production (24 rec, 308 yds) was modest, but the context is everything. He was stuck behind a veteran on the depth chart. Now, Oregon’s offense must replace its top four leaders in targets from a year ago. The path to targets is wide open, and reports from spring and fall camp indicate Sadiq has been a standout, with coaches making a conscious effort to get him the ball. With wide receiver athleticism in a tight end’s body, he is poised for a massive breakout in a tight end-friendly scheme.

6. Tanner Koziol, Houston

   Ignore the school he played for in 2024 and focus on the raw production: 94 receptions, 839 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Those are elite, top-tier numbers for any tight end in any conference. Koziol was a record-setting machine at Ball State. Now, he transfers to Houston to prove he can do it at the Power 4 level. His 6’7″ frame is a nightmare in the red zone, and his contested catch ability is among the best in the nation. He offers the statistical profile of a first-round CFF pick at a massive discount.

7. Miles Kitselman, Tennessee

   Kitselman was a full-time starter in all 13 games for Tennessee in 2024, proving his reliability. He posted a solid line of 22 catches for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns, also adding a rushing score. With the Vols losing their top pass-catchers and breaking in a new quarterback, Kitselman’s experience and physical blocking ability will keep him on the field constantly. He is a trusted, known commodity for the coaching staff and is a safe bet for consistent, if unspectacular, weekly production.

8. Oscar Delp, Georgia

   Sometimes, the best value comes from buying low on a talented player coming off a down year. A former No. 1 TE recruit, Delp’s 2024 was derailed by a sprained ankle and other minor injuries, limiting him to 21 catches for 248 yards. This has caused his stock to plummet. However, he returns as an excellent run-blocker, a key to seeing snaps in Georgia’s offense, and coaches have praised his maturity and leadership. With a clean bill of health, his elite pedigree gives him the highest ceiling of any player in this range. He is the ultimate discount buy on talent.

Freshmen to Stash & Monitor

9. Linkon Cure, Kansas State

   An elite five-star recruit, Cure is a phenomenal athlete and a huge win for the Wildcats’ program. While a preseason knee injury has slightly delayed his debut and there is proven depth ahead of him, his long-term upside is sky-high. Coach Chris Klieman has already praised his physical skills and ability to handle contact. In Devy leagues or deep CFF formats, he is the perfect player to draft and stash on your taxi squad, as he has the talent to develop into a primary target for QB Avery Johnson.

10. J.J. Buchanan, Utah

    A former four-star athlete, Buchanan has been the “biggest surprise” of Utah’s fall camp, according to Head Coach Kyle Whittingham. While listed as a tight end, he is a versatile “flex” weapon with a reported 40-inch vertical leap. With a new offensive coordinator in town, Utah is expected to utilize a role that perfectly fits Buchanan’s unique skill set. He may not be a Week 1 starter, but he has the playmaking ability to force his way onto the field sooner than expected. He is a high-upside flier worth a late-round pick in deep leagues.

Winning your CFF league isn’t about drafting the first tight end off the board, it’s about being the last manager to draft a starting-caliber one. Focus on players with a proven snap share, a clear path to targets, and a role in the passing game that extends beyond blocking. Target these ten gems in your late rounds, secure your advantage at the tight end position, and get ready to watch your opponents scramble to keep up.

FAQ

Q: Why target tight ends late instead of early?
A: The top names rarely return value over cost; late-round options with snap share and targets outperform ADP consistently.

Q: Which TE has the safest floor?
A: Jack Endries. His snap count and possession role give him weekly usability.

Q: Which TE has the highest ceiling?
A: Kenyon Sadiq. Athleticism plus vacated targets make him a breakout candidate.

Q: Who are the best freshmen to stash?
A: Linkon Cure (Kansas State) and J.J. Buchanan (Utah). Both project as future TE1s.