Ranking B1G's Top Tight End Duos: Michigan Drops to #8, Unlikely Pair Takes the Crown

In 2025, tight ends will dominate the Big Ten. We ranked every pair, and you might be surprised to see that the top slot was taken by Michigan. Some sank, while others soared.

16. Hudson Habermehl / Jack Pedersen, UCLA

Despite missing 2024 due to injury, Habermehl has 315 career yards and five touchdowns. Pedersen took over, hauling in 12 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. Both will assist UCLA in acclimating to life in the Big Ten.

15. Tanner Arkin / Cole Rusk, Illinois

Despite their low stats, Arkin and Rusk are expected to be key members of Illinois' tight end system. In an offense that relies heavily on running to find play-action balance, their physical presence may be essential.

14. Tucker Ashcraft / JT Seagreaves, Wisconsin

In 2024, Ashcraft recorded 12 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Seagreaves made four grabs for an additional 44 yards. Tanner Koziol, a transfer from Ball State, gives a group with increasing potential depth.

13. Holden Staes / Riley Nowakowski, Indiana

Tennessee transfer Staes contributes 5 touchdowns and 318 career receiving yards. Wisconsin native Nowakowski, a hybrid fullback/tight end, contributes adaptability. In Bloomington, they work as a competent and imaginative team.

12. Dorian Fleming / Leon Haughton Jr., Maryland

Fleming and Haughton Jr. are anticipated to play a part in Maryland's fast-paced passing game, despite their modest stats. In a tight end room that needs dependable contributors, they have athleticism and potential.

11. Decker DeGraaf / Quentin Moore, Washington

On his first college snap, DeGraaf made an impression with a 33-yard touchdown. In addition to offering steadiness to the explosive youngster, Moore adds veteran depth to Washington's tight end rotation.

10. Kenny Fletcher Jr. / Colin Webber, Rutgers

Fletcher and Webber are expected to assume more significant roles in 2025, even if their numbers haven't increased yet. In a system that prioritizes tight end blocking and red-zone usage, Rutgers will rely on their expansion.

9. Luke Lindenmeyer / Heinrich Haarberg, Nebraska

In 2024, Lindenmeyer participated in all 13 games and had 5 receptions for 50 yards. After switching to tight end in the middle of the season, former quarterback Haarberg showed off his versatility with two catches in the Pinstripe Bowl.

8. Marlin Klein / Hogan Hansen, Michigan

Last season, Klein caught 13 passes for 108 yards. Hansen added a touchdown, 78 yards, and seven catches. In 2025, both will compete to take AJ Barner's job as Michigan's starting tight end.

7. Lake McRee / Walker Lyons, USC

Despite missing four games, McRee returns with 24 catches for 245 yards. Lyons, a freshman redshirt, has a lot of potential. They will work well together as USC makes the move to the Big Ten.

6. Addison Ostrenga / Zach Ortwerth, Iowa

Although the names shift, Iowa rarely produces fewer tight ends. Next in line for a program that is renowned for producing NFL players at the position are Ostrenga and Ortwerth. Anticipate significant moments and significant roles.

5. Jameson Geers / Frank Bierman, Minnesota

In Minnesota's changing offensive strategy, Geers and Bierman are becoming important targets. Their development inside the system should result in larger responsibilities, particularly in play-action packages, even though the stat sheet isn't complete yet.

4. Kenyon Sadiq / Jamari Johnson, Oregon

Despite having two carries for five yards in 2024, Sadiq is ready for a more significant role. Despite Johnson's lackluster stat line, both players have athletic potential in an Oregon offense that makes innovative use of tight ends.

3. Luke Reynolds / Khalil Dinkins, Penn State

In 2024, Dinkins caught 14 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Reynolds, a highly regarded freshman, could provide Penn State with a solid one-two punch at the position and perfectly complement Dinkins.

2. Max Klare / Will Kacmarek, Ohio State

In 2024, Klare leaves Purdue with 51 receptions, 685 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Strong blocker Kacmarek contributes 65 yards and 6 receptions. When combined, they give Ohio State's offense equilibrium.

1. Jack Velling / Michael Masunas, Michigan State

Last season, Velling led the club with 36 receptions for 411 yards. Masunas contributes blocking strength, but he only saw 37 yards of action. They are the best team in the Big Ten because of their experience and adaptability.