While the transfer portal continues running rampant, we see several talented players looking for new homes. The tight-end position is no exception, with several prospects with tremendous upside looking for a school.
Who’s at the top of the list? We look at the best tight ends available.
Top Transfer Portal Tight Ends
Holden Staes, Notre Dame
When Michael Mayer turned pro, Notre Dame’s staff quickly looked to find his replacement. While no one could truly replace him, the Fighting Irish had several options that would try. Holden Staes was one of them.
The 6’4″ tight end caught just one pass in the first two games, but we saw his potential shine against NC State. Against the Wolfpack, he made four catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The ceiling appears high for him, and now he just needs to find an offense that will utilize his skillset more.
Corey Dyches, Maryland
Consistency has been key for Corey Dyches at Maryland, and it’s what makes him such an intriguing target in the transfer portal. In his four seasons with the Terrapins, Dyches caught 107 passes for 1,193 yards and nine touchdowns.
He’s not the biggest target at 6’1″, but he’s used sharp routes to create separation. His new team could use him more like a wide receiver, and he’s shown that he can be a reliable target for his new quarterback.
Justin Joly, UConn
UConn wasn’t exactly commanding the spotlight this year, but they had a few playmakers that stood out. Justin Joly turned a 2022 freshman campaign into a breakout season in 2023, catching 56 passes for 578 yards and two touchdowns.
At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, he brings more of a wide receiver frame to his new school, but he’s already getting plenty of Power Five offers since entering the transfer portal.
Jake Johnson, Texas A&M
Many expected Jake Johnson to transfer to North Carolina after his brother, Max, transferred there recently. It was stated that Jake committed to Texas A&M because Max was there, so the same logic could apply this time.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Maybe he tries something on his own, though. North Carolina makes sense with the amount of talent they lose, but Johnson also will command plenty of attention on his own. He caught 24 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns this year with the Aggies.
Chamon Metayer, Cincinnati
Arguably the most athletic tight end in the transfer portal, Chamon Metayer also has the highest ceiling. He played linebacker in high school, but Cincinnati saw his potential as a tight end. After a year in which he caught 23 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns, the former Bearcat is looking for a new home.
The best way to describe him is explosive. When he gets the ball in his hands, he can run away from defensive backs. He’s also strong enough to fight for 50/50 balls and compete as a blocker. While still raw as a tight end, the tools and potential are there to make him a star at his new school.
Jalin Conyers, Arizona State
Arizona State used Jalin Conyers any way possible to get the football in his hands this year. Mostly a tight end, the Sun Devils lined him up at quarterback on numerous occasions. After a tough year, Conyers is looking for a more stable program that can use him as a tight end more consistently.
Drake Dabney, Baylor
We finally saw Drake Dabney breakthrough as a tight end this year, and that’s promising for his NIL value along with his role in a new offense. At 6’5″ and 250 pounds, his size will be a great addition too. The tools are all there, and the 2023 season indicates that he’s just getting started.
Kamari Morales, North Carolina
New School: Boston College
Kamari Morales didn’t have the big year that many anticipated from him in 2023. After he showed improvement in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he took a step back this year. Maybe it had to do with the system or maybe it was something else. Either way, he decided a fresh start was needed.
Boston College produced several underrated tight ends recently, and quarterback Thomas Castellanos needs more weapons to find downfield. Morales can be a reliable playmaker too, so this feels like a good fit.
Tyler Neville, Harvard
The Ivy League schools continue providing quality transfers, and Tyler Neville adds to the list. At 6’4″, he brings good size to the tight end position, and he’s proven to be a reliable pass catcher too. He’s a smart player who will give his new team a consistent player, and the upside of his frame makes him an intriguing target.
Mark Redman, San Diego State
Former Washington Husky and now San Diego State Aztec Mark Redman entered the transfer portal looking for an offense that will feature him more in the passing game. The Aztecs offense will look drastically different next year under new head coach Sean Lewis, but Redman won’t be there.
In his three years of playing time with the Aztecs, Redman caught 59 passes for 632 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll be a big target for his new school at 6’6″ and 250 pounds.