As we hit the preview portion of the 2025 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning tight ends in 2025.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- FBS-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
- Top Returning FCS Linebackers
- Top Returning FCS Offensive Linemen
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
Best Returning FCS Tight Ends
25. Rylan Schlepp, Montana State
24. Ian Simpson, UC Davis
23. Aidan Quinn, Southern Illinois
22. Trey McDonald, William & Mary
21. Josh Gale, Montana (transfer from UC Davis)
20. Cole Bunicci, Stony Brook
19. Noah Canty, Duquesne
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18. Jackson Pryor, Furman
17. Nathan Levicki, Presbyterian
16. Dallas Holmes, South Dakota (transfer from Lafayette)
15. Patrick Wagner, St. Thomas
14. Coleman Kuntz, South Dakota State (transfer from Sac State)
13. Sean Sallis, East Texas A&M
12. Dupree Fuller, Southern
11. Devyn Gibbs, Lamar
RELATED: HERO Sports FCS Preseason Top 25
10. Tanner Beaman, Portland State
9. Logan Compton, UIW
8. Seamus Gilmartin, Harvard
7. Jack Neri, Monmouth
6. Jackson Conners-McCarthy, Marist
5. Jed Castles, Abilene Christian
A 3-star high school recruit and ranked the No. 12 tight end in the nation, Castles began his college career at Texas Tech in 2021. He transferred to ACU in 2022 and started to thrive in 2023. That year, Castles had 25 receptions for 241 yards and three touchdowns, garnering All-UAC Second Team accolades. Last fall, the 6-foot-7 and 235-pounder hauled in 15 passes for 223 yards and four TDs, averaging 14.9 yards per catch as ACU’s passing offense ranked No. 7 in the FCS (304.2 YPG). Castles was named to the All-UAC First Team.
4. Sean McElwain, William & Mary
McElwain emerged as a solid target for W&M as a redshirt freshman in 2023. The 6-foot-5 and 220-pound tight end had 22 catches for 312 yards. Last fall, he became an even bigger threat and found a knack for the end zone. McElwain recorded 20 receptions for 361 yards and five touchdowns, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention. He also helped block for a rushing attack that averaged 232.8 yards per game, which ranked No. 4 in the FCS.
3. Ryder Kurtz, Cornell
Kurtz enjoyed a breakout sophomore season in 2024, earning Honorable Mention AP All-American accolades along with being named an All-Ivy League Honorable Mention. He totaled 36 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns while grading out as PFF’s No. 25 FCS tight end. Kurtz, who is 6-foot-5 and 233 pounds, caught 18 first downs and registered only one drop.
2. Winston Williams, UC Davis
Williams was a key part of an electric 2024 UC Davis offense. A First Team All-Big Sky selection, the 6-foot-4 and 235-pounder hauled in 34 catches for 265 yards and six touchdowns. Williams had the No. 32 PFF grade among FCS tight ends. His 34 catches came on 46 targets, grabbing four contested catches and registering only two drops.
1. Chris Corbo, Dartmouth
After tallying nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, Corbo became a star last fall. He grabbed 32 passes for 315 yards and seven touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 and 245-pounder was named to the All-Ivy League First Team and earned four All-American honors. Corbo was graded as PFF’s No. 10 FCS tight end, registering 16 first-down receptions, five contested catches, and just one drop.
