Digging into 2024 data this early in the offseason has had many benefits. Do we really feel like looking deep at the tight end position while grinding many drafts in the middle of the summer? Not exactly. Looking at the position now has allowed us to realize on Balling with My Bestie that there’s a correlation (at least in 2024) between the top 10 P4 tight ends and the Star Index.
For those unaware, the Star Index is an athleticism score that looks at the normal combine-like numbers and adds on a few more multi-sport type data points to help give us a picture of true athleticism. Eight of last year’s top ten tight ends had a Star Index of better than .748. The combined average of the top ten was .722, so today, we’re looking at the first of two groups of tight ends that hit that mark and come into the year with likely starting gigs.
RJ Maryland, SMU – .713 Star Index
Considering Maryland just accomplished this feat in 2024, I think it’s pretty safe to say that he has top-ten TE potential in 2025. His quarterback, Kevin Jennings, returns, and no superstar wideouts have come in to ruin Maryland’s target share potentially. To be fair, he did finish in the top ten in fantasy points per game but only played in seven games.
His replacement, Matthew Hibner, was quite impressive in fill-in duty, catching 15 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns (four games). This role in the SMU offense is important, and if Maryland is healthy from his torn ACL in late October (yikes), there’s no reason not to plug him in as a top-ten TE. That’s certainly a big if, though, isn’t it? Mitchell Evans was injured around the same time as Maryland, and we saw him really only be productive in the second half of the season.
Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt – .838 Star Index
Easily considered my top tight end of the year, Stowers returns great production, has the same quarterback and system, and has a great Star Index. He finished 2024 with a 44/583/4 stat line and ended up putting up over 13 fantasy points in the bowl game against Georgia Tech. Let’s not overthink this one. Consider Stowers one of the best, if not the best, options in 2025.
Benjamin Brahmer, Iowa State – .953 Star Index
Injuries have slowed Brahmer down at Iowa State, but it’s hard not to love his potential with the highest Star Index of all relevant tight ends in 2025. He’s also shown us something in his two seasons as a Cyclone, catching 38 passes for nearly 550 yards and three touchdowns (17 games). From a situation standpoint, I’m not sure it gets better for a tight end. The top two targets for Iowa State are off to the NFL, and he’s a 6’7 red zone target for an uber-experienced quarterback in Rocco Becht. I consider Brahmer one of the strongest
Terrance Carter, Texas Tech – .764 Star Index
Carter has a lot to like with his qualifying Star Index and production from 2024, but he is a G5 to P4 transfer. Will that matter? His 2024 number would have put him as TE7 in the P4 ranks, a great start when considering his 2025 outlook. He wisely transferred to Texas Tech, where they utilized Jalin Conyers; he finished in the TE19 ranking. Carter is much more of a receiver than Conyers, which should be great considering the Red Raiders’ propensity to throw the football. The athleticism and past production are there, so let’s hope it translates well to the Big 12.
Oscar Delp, UGA – .749 Star Index
There are a lot of question marks when it comes to the 2025 Georgia offense, and they all center around the passing attack. Will Gunnar Stockton be a productive passer in a system that has recently thrown for over 3,000 yards many times? Who will take hold of the not coveted WR1 role? And finally, what will the tight end rotation look like? This is one athlete at tight end I won’t be coveting highly, as Luckie Lawson has looked solid for the Bulldawgs. If his ADP is low enough, though, I wouldn’t hate a shot at him, considering the athleticism and question marks.
Luke Hasz, Ole Miss – .730 Star Index
Dae’Quan Wright, Ole Miss – .793 Star Index
Hasz was impressive but slightly underwhelming as an Arkansas Razorback. He finished as the TE29 last season, but he did catch four touchdowns. That’s a great start towards the 40/400/4 threshold we’re looking for. Hasz transferred to Ole Miss, where he’ll be, at least to some extent, splitting reps with Dae’Quan Wright. There will also be a new quarterback in town. The good news is the receiver group is essentially brand new and Ole Miss has utilized the tight end room well in the past. Wright, combined with Caden Preiskorn, caught 48 passes for 696 yards and six touchdowns last season. I doubt that we’ll see one of these tight ends emerge as the top guy, capping each of their upsides in 2025.
Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon – .833 Star Index
Quickly becoming a Balling with My Bestie darling, Sadiq has shown enough for Ethan and myself to love this profile. Terrance Ferguson (TE14) is off to the NFL, and the next man up at quarterback, Dante Moore, looks to be a quality signal caller for Oregon in 2025. Like Sadiq, Ferguson was a solid athlete with a .793 Star Index. This offense also has a lack of proven options at wide out. As a backup tight end, Sadiq caught 24 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns (including playoffs). He also had five rushing attempts on the season. Oregon must be creative with their pass-catching options, and Sadiq has the athleticism to be utilized in potentially fun ways this season.
Looking for where to find the Star Index? You can find it here via the Leaderboard tab!
