Nebraska Takes the Top Spot in 2024 Recruiting Class for Tight Ends
After a long process, the 2024 recruiting class has been finalized, and it’s time to see which teams won each position. Continuing our position-by-position look at the top classes, today we take a look at the tight ends.
1. NEBRASKA
The Nebraska Huskers have emerged as the top team in the tight end recruiting class for 2024. Not only do they have star power, with standout recruit Carter Nelson heavily involved among the top tight end projections in the class, but they also have depth, thanks to the class brought in by Matt Rhule. Nebraska has secured a pair of four-stars, with Ian Flynt, flanking the headlining Nelson, as well as a three-star addition in Keelan Smith.
Nelson, standing tall at 6-foot-5, will be transitioning from eight-man football to the Big Ten. Despite his dominance locally, his performance at the Polynesian Bowl in January showcased his potential as an all-around tight end. Flynt, ranked as the No. 22 tight end, is built traditionally for the position at 250 pounds and is known for making plays down the field. Smith, with an H-back build at 6-foot-3, complements the others with true production as a jumbo wide receiver who can make plays at the catch point.
2. GEORGIA
The Bulldogs have been consistent in recruiting tight ends, and the post-Brock Bowers era sees another pair of promising talents headed to Athens. Jaden Reddell, ranked the No. 6 tight end in the class, was a national recruit, and Georgia managed to secure his commitment over rival SEC territory. Reddell’s varsity work resembles that of a flexible wide receiver, which makes for an intriguing addition to the Bulldogs’ lineup. Colton Heinrich, the fellow four-star, possesses a more traditional tight end experience, displayed as a utility man at one of south Florida’s top programs, Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) Cardinal Gibbons.
3. MICHIGAN
The Wolverines’ haul is led by the top tight end recruit close to home, Brady Prieskorn, who ranks No. 8 overall at the position. Hogan Hansen, also a four-star, pairs with Prieskorn as another taller, leaner tight end. Each has their share of big-play potential, with Prieskorn boasting 18 touchdowns on just 57 catches since the start of 2022, and Hansen demonstrating versatility on both sides of the ball.
4. USC
USC’s tight end recruits stand out for their height, with Walter Matthews towering at 6-foot-7 and Joey Olsen two inches shorter but with a split-out skill set. Both recruits offer physical flexibility, which should allow for adaptability under coach Lincoln Riley as the Trojans work to incorporate the tight end more into the offense.
5. OREGON
Oregon’s pair of blue-chip recruits, A.J. Pugliano and Roger Saleapaga, were recruited close to home. Pugliano, a compact and modern type with balance to his frame, is the top overall prospect in the state of Oregon. Saleapaga, taller and leaner, is the No. 2 recruit from the state of Utah. The Ducks had two tight ends finish among their top seven pass-catchers as juniors in 2023, showing promise for the new duo.
These top recruiting classes for tight ends are a testament to the teams’ focus on strengthening their talent pool for the future. As these promising talents transition from high school to college football, they are poised to make a significant impact on their respective teams.
