As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 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 2026.
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.).
- 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
- Top Returning FCS Linebackers
- Top Returning FCS Wide Receivers
- Top Returning FCS Offensive Linemen
Best Returning FCS TEs
25. Danny Joiner, Tarleton State
24. Jesse Miller, South Dakota
23. Ethan Hosak, Lafayette
22. Jake Robinette, West Florida
21. Kaden Eggett, Utah Tech
20. Dylan Magazu, Elon
19. Joseph Marranca, Lehigh
18. Levi Linowes, Brown
17. Sean Sallis, East Texas A&M
16. Patrick Wagner, St. Thomas
15. Coleman Kuntz, South Dakota State
14. Jackson Pryor, Furman
13. Tanner Beaman, Portland State
12. Charlie Browder, ETSU
11. Travon Jones, Prairie View A&M
RELATED: 2026 FCS Preseason Preview Central
10. Jackson Blee, William & Mary
9. Itty Henry, Abilene Christian
8. Jeter Purdy, Northern Arizona
7. Jackson Head, Austin Peay
6. Sean McElwain, William & Mary
5. Rocky Lencioni, Montana State
As just a redshirt freshman, the 6-foot-3 and 240-pound Bozeman native recorded 19 catches for 206 yards and six touchdowns for the national champs. Lencioni graded out as PFF’s No. 2 FCS tight end, and he earned FCS Freshman All-American honors from Phil Steele.
4. Greyton Gannon, South Dakota State
At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Gannon became a reliable target last season, grabbing 33 passes for 372 yards and three TDs. He earned a spot on the All-MVFC First Team while also being named an AP All-American Honorable Mention.
3. Seamus Gilmartin, Harvard
Gilmartin is a two-time All-Conference performer with productive seasons. In 2024 as an All-Ivy League Second Team selection, he had 18 receptions for 379 yards and four scores. Last fall, Gilmartin caught 29 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns while grading out as PFF’s No. 14 FCS tight end. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder was recognized as an All-Ivy League Honorable Mention.
2. Winston Williams, UC Davis
Williams was ready for an All-American season last year, but an injury sidelined him after three games. He now looks to replicate his 2024 First Team All-Big Sky season, where Williams recorded 34 catches for 265 yards and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 and 245-pounder is one of several weapons for the 2026 UC Davis offense.
1. Ryder Kurtz, Cornell
Kurtz is a two-year All-American and All-Conference selection entering his senior season. He tallied 36 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, earning AP All-American Honorable Mention and All-Ivy League Honorable Mention accolades. Last season, the 6-foot-5 and 233-pounder was named to the All-Ivy League Second Team and earned All-American honors from the AP, Stats Perform, and FCS Football Central after hauling in 44 receptions for 523 yards and four touchdowns. Kurtz graded out as PFF’s No. 10 FCS tight end.
