A lot of top TEs from the Big Ten just left for the NFL, but like always, the conference has reloaded and will once again be loaded with talent at the position. Here are the top-five TEs heading into the 2025 season:
The Big Ten lost some of its best tight ends to the NFL as Colston Loveland, Cade Stover, Tyler Warren and Luke Lachey all got drafted back in April. It was a loaded year at the position, but like always, this conference reloads.
TE talent will not be lacking during the 2025 season. There are some terrific returners from the 2024 season that will be back again, and there are also a lot of exciting TE transfers that are coming in. All in all, there is a lot of good talent at the position in the conference, and it’s going to be exciting to see who takes the reign as the best in the Big Ten after so many talented players departed for the pros. Here are the top-five TEs in the conference entering the 2025 season:
5: Luke Reynolds – Penn State
Kicking off the list, we have Penn State’s Luke Reynolds. Reynolds hasn’t really had a chance to showcase his skills with the Nittany Lions yet as he was down on the depth chart last year, but with Tyler Warren off to the NFL, it’s his time to shine.
Last season, Reynolds hauled in nine receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown. This year, the 6’4” 240 lb TE will get a lot more action and has the potential to be one of the best TEs in the Big Ten.
4: Jack Velling – Michigan State
Jack Velling is getting ready for his senior season, and Michigan State fans are hoping to see more production out of him this year. Velling was expected to be one of the best TEs in the conference last season after scoring eight touchdowns at Oregon State in 2023, but he seemed to take a step back.
Velling finished with 411 receiving yards and one touchdown on 36 receptions last year. After posting 438 and eight as a sophomore, that was a disappointment. Still, Velling has shown what he is capable of, and with improved quarterback play from Aidan Chiles, he could be in for a big year.
3: Kenyon Sadiq – Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq is another player who will be getting the ball a lot more this season. He played behind Terrance Ferguson last year, but still had a great year, hauling in 24 receptions for 308 yards and two touchdowns. With Ferguson gone, Sadiq is going to get a lot more targets, and he is likely going to have a massive year for the Ducks.
2: Tanner Koziol – Wisconsin
Our first big-time transfer on the list is Tanner Koziol, who transferred to Wisconsin from Ball State. Koziol is bringing a lot of experience to Madison as he spent three years with the Cardinals, and he has gotten better and better throughout his career.
Last season was Koziol’s best as he racked up 839 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 94 receptions. The obvious question mark with Koziol is how his game will translate from the MAC to the Big Ten. He has been incredibly successful so far in his career, but this conference is big step up.
1: Max Klare – Ohio State
The top tight end in the Big Ten heading into the 2025 season is Ohio State ’s Max Klare. Klare is another transfer, but he has always been in the Big Ten as he came to the Buckeyes from Purdue.
Klare had a big season for the Boilermakers last year as he finished with 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns. Now, Klare is making the move to a much better offense with what should be a much better QB. He is poised for a monster season in Columbus.