Every college fantasy footballer has to answer the following question: To draft or not to draft an elite tight end? I used to philosophically oppose selecting a top-ranked tight end in the first six rounds of drafts. Yet, my thinking has evolved, and I now prefer to acquire a top-flight difference-maker early in the drafting process. Examining my winning teams over the past decade, one clear advantage on those rosters was a tight end with a high fantasy ceiling and a weekly productive floor.
In 2026, I have partaken in 12 CFF drafts and have often implemented my theory. Without question, teams with a top-5 tight end look much stronger from a roster-construction standpoint. To assist CFF coaches, the premier tight ends are placed into tiers (Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude) to help CFF managers navigate the player pool and identify value. Enjoy, my fellow CFF diehards. As always, make sure to check out my full 2026 CFF Rankings.
2026 CFF Tight End Profiles
Summa Cum Laude
Trey’Dez Green, LSU
Team Offense (Rank): 334 ypg. (109)
Passing Yards: 231 ypg. (61)
Points Scored: 22.8 ppg. (101)
2025 FPPG: 10.8
Current Fantrax ADP: 53
It took me a while this season to come around to Trey’Dez Green as the top tight end in college fantasy football. I thought that a wide receiver would emerge on the roster and become a target hog for the Tigers. Yet as training camp nears, there is still no clear-cut top dog in the passing game, leaving the door open for Green. I have to consider Green’s incredible fantasy ceiling as the lead pass-catcher in the red zone, with nearly 100 targets.
In high school, Green was a two-sport star, playing on the hardwood and gridiron. He was graded as a four-star recruit and considered the top prospect in the state of Louisiana, No. 35 overall recruit in the country, and the No. 1 tight end in the nation. As a freshman, Green debuted on the LSU basketball team in January 2025 against Alabama. After six games, he stepped away from hoops to focus on football.
In the 2024 Texas Bowl, Green popped off the screen with six catches for 53 yards and two scores to conclude his freshman campaign. Last season, he emerged as a reliable target in LSU’s aerial assault. He caught 33 passes for 433 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning All-SEC Second Team honors. Difficult to tackle with the ball in his hands, 176 of his 433 receiving yards last season came after the catch, and for his career, he has 230 yards after the catch. After two seasons, he has already established himself as the career record holder for receiving touchdowns by an LSU tight end with 11.
Green, at 6-7 and 237 pounds, towers over defenders and uses his long arms, big frame, and elite athleticism to win. With great hands and stupendous leaping ability, the junior playmaker creates mismatches for opposing defenses in the end zone. A gifted tight end, Green is one of my preferred targets in the fifth round of CFF drafts.
Notebook: Green is excited about new Coach Lane Kiffin in 2026, “He’s a great coach, a great leader for our team. He’s exactly what we’ve been missing. We’re just ready to play for our coach. He gives 110%, and we’re gonna give 120 for him.” (si.com)
Jamari Johnson, Oregon
Team Offense (Rank): 452 ypg. (17)
Passing Yards: 254 ypg. (38)
Points Scored: 36.9 ppg. (10)
2025 FPPG: 11.1
Current Fantrax ADP: 58
Jamari Johnson is in a similar position to Green as a fantasy producer. The Ducks’ depth chart lacks a clear-cut alpha at receiver, even though there is talent, and Johnson could be the main volume hog in the passing game. Last year, he shared the tight end duties with first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq. Johnson is now the starter and in a position to lead Oregon in targets if the receivers do not step up their production.
In 2025, Johnson earned All-Big Ten honorable mention, catching 32 passes for 510 yards and three touchdowns. He finished the season fourth in receiving yards and fifth in receptions on the Ducks while sharing snaps and opportunities with Sadiq. His yards are the sixth most in a single season among tight ends in program history. In the final three games last year, the 6-5 and 257-pounder scored 40 FPs and averaged 13.3 FPPG. In high school, he was a three-star recruit and enrolled at Louisville before transferring to Oregon in 2025. Johnson has an enticing fantasy ceiling and is one of the tight ends that I’m interested in selecting early in drafts.
Notebook: Daniel Rios profiled Johnson as an NFL prospect: “He can line up just about anywhere on the offensive side of the ball. Has the body control to make catches in the air, using his strong hands to attack the ball at the point of contact. Has the lower body flexibility and quickness to decelerate during his routes and sink his hips…An A+ athlete when it comes to agility, he makes defenders miss when he has the ball in his hands.” (Yahoo.com)
Magna Cum Laude
DJ Vonnahme, Iowa
Team Offense (Rank): 320 ypg. (117)
Passing Yards: 143 ypg. (122)
Points Scored: 29.3 ppg. (54)
2025 FPPG: 10.6
Current Fantrax ADP: 91
In college football, one of the best times of the year is during Bowl Season. For me, it’s a pleasure to sit down on a cold December day and scout players for the upcoming campaign. Last year, in the ReilaQuest Bowl between Iowa and Vanderbilt, DJ Vonnahme dominated the Commodores with 7 receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown, scoring a season-high 27.6 FPs. Afterward, I wrote down his name to take a deep dive over the winter, and I am excited after scouting him in detail.
After recruiting and developing George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, Sam LaPorta and Dallas Clark, Iowa has often been described as Tight End U, and Vonnahme might be the next All-American prospect to don the Black and Gold at Iowa. In 2025, the 6-4, 241-pounder paced the Hawkeyes in receiving with 29 catches for 434 yards and 3 touchdowns.
In high school, Vonnahme was a first-team All-State selection in Iowa. He was a versatile playmaker, passing for 1,803 yards, rushing for 652 yards, posting 697 receiving yards, and accumulating 53 total scores. He also played basketball and ran track and field. I like to acquire athletic players at the position, and the third-year playmaker fits the profile that I seek in CFF drafts.
Notebook: In the offseason, Offensive Coordinator Tim Lester stated that “The skill set for how DJ gets open is different. I studied a ton of Brock Bowers. How they got him the ball because I think he and DJ have some similarities. So, we put a couple of things in for him” (qctimes.com).
Iowa TE DJ Vonnahme 7 REC, 146 YDS, 1 TD vs Vanderbilt Today ReliaQuest Bowl.
Iowa got another one.pic.twitter.com/rfyrcxrD3h https://t.co/QqfqEBS2WG
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) December 31, 2025
Terrance Carter, Texas Tech
Team Offense (Rank): 461 ypg. (10)
Passing Yards: 279 ypg. (15)
Points Scored: 39.4 ppg. (7)
2025 FPPG: 10.8
Current Fantrax ADP: 64
If QB Brendon Sorsby quarterbacked the Red Raiders this fall, I would place Terrance Carter among the top two tight ends in CFF. However, he sits at No. 4 because of the uncertainty behind center in Lubbock, TX. I do recognize Carter’s pass-catching skills, but Coach Joey McGuire will rely on his deep backfield to run the football and his shutdown defense to win games.
During his first season as a Red Raider last year, Carter was employed as an in-line tight end and in the slot. He snagged 55 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns, earning All-Big 12 Second Team. Not since 2013 had a Texas Tech tight end generated so many receiving yards. In 7 of 13 games, he scored in double digits in FPs, including a season-best 22.2 against Oregon State.
Before joining the Red Raiders, the redshirt senior played three seasons for UL-Lafayette and suited up in 25 games during 2023 and 2024. As a Rajin’ Cajun, Carter made 76 catches for 944 yards and 7 scores, collecting All-Sun Belt First Team as a sophomore two years ago. Despite uncertainty at quarterback, Carter still has a high fantasy ceiling and is one of the top CFF tight ends in 2026.
Notebook: “Everything Texas Tech’s done. I feel very comfortable where I’m at. I still have little aspects of my game that I have to work on, and I feel like next year, I’ll be fully ready to make a decision on declaring,” Carter said after the 2025 season ended (si.com).
Dylan Wade, UCF
Team Offense (Rank): 379 ypg. (74)
Passing Yards: 221 ypg. (74)
Points Scored: 24.3 ppg. (88)
2025 FPPG: 10.7
Current Fantrax ADP: 83
Over the past decade, the Knights have been fertile ground for college fantasy football receivers. Their pass catchers made headlines and impacted games. Last year, the narrative changed. Tight end Dylan Wade rose as a key fantasy performer for UCF. The senior earned All-Big 12 honorable mention after garnering 60 targets, turning them into 43 receptions for 523 yards and 5 touchdowns. The receptions, yards, and touchdowns are the most by a Knights’ tight end in a single season in the school’s FBS history. Wade played two seasons at Maryland before transferring to UCF last year. The 6-2 and 240-pounder will be the centerpiece of the Knights’ aerial assault in Coach Scott Frost’s second tenure at UCF.
Notebook: Wade discussed his legacy after he leaves UCF: “Really, I just want to be able to say I left it all on the line. I did everything I could for the team. No regrets. And nobody can say anything bad about me.” (247Sports.com)
Cum Laude
Patrick Overmyer, Houston
Team Offense (Rank): 395 ypg. (60)
Passing Yards: 216 ypg. (81)
Points Scored: 29.1 ppg. (55)
2025 FPPG: 8.6
Current Fantrax ADP: 90
Before the 2025 campaign, Houston Coach Willie Fritz dipped into the transfer portal and plucked TE Tanner Koziol to start for the Cougars. The former Ball State competitor became one of the better fantasy scorers at the position with 183 FPs. Once again, Fritz employed the same tactic, finding a tight end to replace Koziol and landing Patrick Overmyer in the portal.
The newest Cougar played the past three seasons at UTSA and redshirted as a freshman. He caught 58 passes for 627 yards and 8 touchdowns as a Roadrunner. At 6-5 and 230 pounds, Overmyer mirrors the skills that Koziol employed and will provide a nice red-zone target for QB Conner Weigman. If a CFF coach misses out on drafting a top 5 player, the Houston tight end is a solid option.
Notebook: Mike Craven wrote that “Another talented Roadrunner tight end moving up into the Power Four (P4) ranks. Houston loves to use the tight end, and there are big shoes to fill for the departing Koziol.” (texasfootball.com)
Dorian Fleming, Maryland
Team Offense (Rank): 360 ypg. (85)
Passing Yards: 256 ypg. (33)
Points Scored: 23.5 ppg. (93)
2025 FPPG: 8.1
Current Fantrax ADP: 141
One of my sneaky strategies in college fantasy football, especially best ball leagues, is acquiring under-the-radar QB-TE pass-catching combos. Based on current ADP, the Terrapins have one of my favorite pairs to acquire: Malik Washington (ADP of 195) and Dorian Fleming.
The Terrapins’ tight end spent two seasons at Georgia State and redshirted in 2023. The next year, he became an integral component in the Panthers’ aerial assault. He was named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team after catching 49 passes for 558 yards and a touchdown. After moving to Maryland, Fleming concluded the campaign tied for second among Big Ten tight ends with 40 receptions for 351 yards.
At 6-3 and 245 pounds, Fleming can be employed all over the formation, and he wins in the middle of the field with smooth footwork and natural separation. I have drafted Fleming many times this year and will continue to do so throughout the summer.
Notebook: “As (QB Malik) Washington’s stardom continues to rise, Fleming’s role and production could skyrocket in 2026. He’s already on the John Mackey Award watch list and gaining plenty of preseason Big Ten praise. Fleming could establish himself as one of the nation’s best before all is said and done.” (on3.com)
Malik Washington finds Dorian Fleming for the 12 yard touchdown to give Maryland a 10-0 lead 🐢 pic.twitter.com/iYrdNsVDvB
— Inside Maryland Sports (@Terrapins247) September 6, 2025
Juice Vereen, Colorado State
Team Offense (Rank): 324 ypg. (115)
Passing Yards: 216 ypg. (84)
Points Scored: 18.5 ppg. (122)
2025 FPPG: 8.2
Current Fantrax ADP: 115
Over the past year, I have enjoyed first-class seats watching Juice Vereen at UConn. As a Husky last year, Vereen popped off during the final month of the season: He scored 62.2 FPs, averaging 15.5 FPPG, on 13 catches for 190 yards and 5 touchdowns. When the campaign ended, he followed his former UConn coach, Jim Mora, west to Colorado State, showing promising growth that excites fantasy managers.
A three-star recruit in North Carolina, Vereen was the No. 9 ranked tight end in the nation and enrolled at North Carolina State. He played two seasons for the Wolfpack before transferring to Storrs, CT. In 2025, he recorded 21 receptions for 305 yards and 5 scores as a member of the Huskies. EA Sports College Football 27 gave the newest Rams’ playmaker an 81 overall grade for the upcoming season. Vereen is an underrated tight end in CFF drafts this season, and his transfer adds an intriguing element for fantasy owners.
Notebook: After Vereen’s two-touchdown outing against Boston College last year, Mora praised his tight end: “We brought him here to do what he did today. We knew that he was capable of that.” (Instagram)
Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State
Team Offense (Rank): 362 ypg. (83)
Passing Yards: 188 ypg. (103)
Points Scored: 31 ppg. (35)
2025 FPPG: 9.7
Current Fantrax ADP: 102
It seems Coach Matt Campbell brought his entire Iowa State roster up to College Station, PA. On offense, QB Rocco Becht, RB Carson Hansen, WR Chase Sowell, and TE Benjamin Brahmer all followed their coach up north. From a CFF lens, the Nittany Lions’ playbook will resemble the Cyclones’ in recent years. Brahmer became one of Becht’s prime targets in 2025 and will remain so at Penn State.
Last year, Brahmer earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors after catching 37 passes for 446 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was also named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award. His impressive red zone presence and excellent ball skills make him a reliable fantasy scoring threat, boosting his upside. He leaves Iowa State fifth in career receiving yards (977) and receptions (75) among tight ends. At 6-7 and 250 pounds, the Senior is a monster on jump balls and employs excellent ball skills to win. Brahmer is one of my preferred targets as a second tight end on rosters if he falls in drafts.
Notebook: Mark Wogenrich penned that “Brahmer could be Penn State’s biggest offensive weapon, both literally and strategically. He is gifted enough to be a 60-catch target and reliable enough to send downfield as a blocking tight end to frame out the passing game.”
Garrett Oakley, Kansas State
Team Offense (Rank): 370 ypg. (81)
Passing Yards: 199 ypg. (95)
Points Scored: 29.4 ppg. (52)
2025 FPPG: 10.3
Current Fantrax ADP: 182
Kansas State hired Collin Klein, a former Wildcat quarterback (2009-2012), as head coach. He also served as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023, and the Wildcats were Big 12 champs his first season calling plays. Kansas State is coming off a disappointing 6-6 season, and Klein is expected to jumpstart an offense that failed to live up to expectations. Klein will definitely rely on a strong ground game, but when the ball is placed in the air, Garrett Oakley will be one of the key pass catchers for Kansas State.
In school history, the Senior tight end is prolific, ranking fourth in career receptions (71) and receiving yards (779). Oakley has also established a program record for career touchdowns by a tight end (13). Last year, he set single-season highs with 38 catches for 389 yards and 6 touchdowns. I am a believer in Klein’s scheme, and Oakley’s ADP is currently far too low. I have selected him as a second tight end in the last three drafts.
Notebook: “…out of high school, Kansas State was my only Power Five offer. They believed in me, and then I put my head down and started working hard when I got here. I really thank Brian Lepak for how he developed me, and now coach (Matt) Wells for improving my game as well. It has all been really beneficial,” Oakley said last fall (kansas.com).
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