The SEC positional rankings march on and it is time for the unsung heroes of offenses, tight ends. Unlike the RBs and WRs, the SEC is not loaded with elite talent at TE this season. That being said, there are some very strong rooms, many with top tier potential. Once again, the Longhorns find their way into the top 5 this time around but with strong upward mobility.
Here’s how I stack up the TE rooms in the SEC:
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Breaking News: The Georgia Bulldogs have a remarkable tight end group. That has been true in Athens since Kirby Smart took over and this season is no exception. Lawson Luckie returns as the TE1 in the room, set to be a top TE off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft. The depth is special as well, with budding stars Jaden Reddell, Ethan Barbour and Elyiss Williams. This is the best TE unit in not only the SEC, but maybe in the country.
2. LSU Tigers
If I was making a list of the best individual TEs, LSU’s Trey’Dez Green would top my list. The 6’7” rising junior is one of the most athletic TEs in the country and an early top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. He’ll lead the way and likely get the lionshare of the receptions among this group, but the depth is intriguing. Malachi Thomas joins from Pittsburgh and Zach Grace comes in from Oregon, both of which are very talented options off the bench.
3. Missouri Tigers
This is as low as Brett Norfleet could be on this list. The 6’6”, 263lbs senior has more experience than any other TE on this list and is likely the best blocker as well. He will consistently play high floor for the Tigers and provide Austin Simmons a true security blanket in big moments. Jordan Harris and Jude James are depth options that can provide athletic upside.
4. Tennessee Volunteers
If there’s any TE on this list that’ll become a household name this year, it’s Ethan Davis. The 6’5” redshirt junior is coming off a 2025 season that was plagued by injuries, but finished strong. Davis topped 60 yards in 3 of Tennessee’s final four games, including 72 yards and a score against Florida. DaSaahn Brame and Trent Thomas are the depth options and Brame could be a breakout candidate for the Vols.
5. Texas Longhorns
This is where I see the Longhorns fitting into this list. Like every team behind them, there isn’t a remarkable, can’t miss talent at TE for Texas. Despite that, I do think Texas’ TE group will be a remarkably high floor unit. Michael Masunas has shined in spring camp and combined with Spencer Shannon, might represent the best blocking duo on this list. Nick Townsend and Emaree Winston are the duo that could shoot this group up the list, shining as pass catchers this season.
Rest of SEC:
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: SEC TE Rankings: How does Texas stack up vs. their conference foes?
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
