Fantasy Football 2026: Top 32 Tight Ends

Depth, youth, and upside. The majority of fantasy football leagues require you to start just one tight end, but the position has a lot to offer. Based on the player pool, you have the ability to strike at any point in your draft and likely not be disappointed. Whether you begin with Trey McBride or Brock Bowers in round two, target the upside of Colston Loveland a few rounds later, or keep on going down the line, there are many intriguing options. Let’s dig into our 2026 fantasy football tight end rankings.

2026 Tight End Thoughts

While there are clear merits to target the top of the player pool, roster construction is also a real consideration. Yes, McBride or Bowers might look great on your roster and provide an advantage in each weekly matchup. But at what cost to the running back position does that come with? If they happen to be the best player on your board, I have no issues pulling the trigger, but don’t force it.

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Yes, we know that Travis Kelce is retiring, and he’s also just outside of my TE1 rankings. However, that doesn’t mean we should ignore him this season. The veteran is going to be motivated to finish his career strong. At least initially this season, I’d expect Patrick Mahomes to be limited, and that means he’s going to look for his security blanket in Kelce. Plus, with 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season, it’s not like Kelce was a scrub in 2025. The fact that he appears to have some extra motivation is only a good thing.

Isaiah Likely, New York Giants

Isaiah Likely will be utilized in the tight end spot on your roster, but I’m not sure the New York Giants will feel the same way. Jim Harbaugh brought Likely with him from Baltimore for a purpose, and that’s to make him an overall offensive weapon. Despite showing flashes of success with the Ravens, especially with Mark Andrews was injured, Likely never truly took off. The coaching is the same here, but the system will be different. More importantly, the expectations of Likely will be different. Perhaps the ranking is a little aggressive here, but it’s about what he can do more than what he’s done.

Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta used to be the next big thing, but there are shinier options that have surpassed him. LaPorta can now be drafted in the eighth round, and that spot does allow for some upside. Based on his performance last year, up is really the only place for him to go, and you could argue he’s being drafted too high. After all, that’s what happens when you finish with 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns. However, LaPorta also battled injuries all season and played in just nine games. Entering 2026, though, he’s healthy and still only going to be 25-years old. Should we add that his new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing, also does great things for tight ends?

Chig Okonkwo, Washington Commanders

Going from Cam Ward in his rookie season to Jayden Daniels in his third season is bound to be an upgrade. There’s a considerable amount of buzz surrounding Okonkwo in his new home for 2026. While the late addition of Stefon Diggs wasn’t great, I’m not sure it will be enough to dampen our expectations. On 79 targets last year, Okonkwo caught 56 passes for 560 yards and two touchdowns. Entering his fifth season, consistency will be key. If you choose to wait on the position, or need a streamer or bye-week fill-in with upside, Okonkwo could be your man. Just don’t reach for him on draft day. Despite the buzz, his three touchdowns in his rookie year are still a career high.

For more great fantasy football rankings and analysis, make sure to check out the 2026 FantraxHQ Fantasy Football Draft Kit!

2026 Tight End Rankings