2019 Opponent Unit Ranking: Tight Ends

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Written by Andrew Walker

We wrap up our opposing units preview with a look at the tight ends around the Big Ten.

1. Nebraska

Possibly the most stacked TE group the Hoosiers will face this season is the squad from the Cornhuskers. Jack Stoll will be returning for Nebraska as a two-time John Mackey award watchlist TE. The 6’4 260 lb TE is expected to be a huge weapon in the Cornhusker offense for 2019. Stoll will join Indiana native Kurt Rafdal at the position as well. 

2. Penn State

The Nittany Lions have possibly the most talented single TE the Hoosiers are going to face. That’s Pat Freiermuth, a sophomore. Freiermuth set a freshman record of receiving touchdowns at eight. He’s joined by Nick Bowers and Brenton Strange as other viable options for Penn State in 2019. 

3. Purdue

The Boilermakers will be led at the TE position by Brycen Hopkins. Not only will he be a team co-captain for the 2019 season, but he’s coming off of a great season in which he caught 34 passes for 583 yards, playing in all 13 games. Hopkins will be joined by promising junior Darius Pittman, who is looking to get more balls thrown his way. 

4.  Michigan State

With only four listed TE’s on MSU’s roster, the competition will be extremely fierce. Matt Dotson will be TE1 for MSU, returning from an excellent season where he played every game for the Spartans. Returning from a season ending injury is Noah Davis. He’ll be looking to continue his impressive freshman campaign in the 2019 season. 

5. Maryland

The Terrapins are stacked deep with TE’s, including junior standout Tyler Mabry, a John Mackey award watchlist TE, and fellow junior standout Noah Barnes. They’ll lead the Maryland TE squad, but younger guys like Robert Schwob, Zack Roski and Chigoziem Okonkwo are right behind them. 

6. Michigan

With so many TE’s to choose from, it’s hard to nail down who’s going to be the workhorse for the Wolverines in 2019, but Nick Eubanks and Sean McKeon are two returning TE’s that look like they can make a difference in the Wolverines’ offense. They’re joined by promising younger guys Luke Schoonmaker and Carter Selzer that can fill in the gaps if need be. 

7. Ohio State

The Buckeyes don’t have a true star at the TE position for this year, but be on the lookout for any of the relatively unproven players to make the leap to greatness this year. This includes promising sophomore Jeremy Ruckert and fourth year veteran Luke Farrell. Jake Hausmann is also a name that should be tossed into consideration for a breakout player. The fourth year TE from Cincinnati is about as tough as they come. 

8. Connecticut

The UConn Huskies have quite the TE group returning this year. Including Donovan Williams, Jayce Medlock, Ventine Richardson and Jay Rose. All of these guys will be trying to make their mark on the 2019 season, and vying for a select few TE spots. 

9. Northwestern

Northwestern’s TE situation is both extremely interesting and worrisome. As of right now, on their official roster, they do not list any tight ends. SB’s or superbacks are the only thing that’s listed. SB’s are a combination TE/H-Back player that is expected to do almost everything. Charlie Mangieri at SB is a former DL that could really shine in the run block, so look for the Wildcats to run a 2-HB style offense with a few disguises in there. 

10. Ball state

Returning for the Cardinals in 2019 are Nolan Givan and Kyle Schrank. They combined for 27 receptions and 4 TD’s a year ago. Also in the mix is a big, talented target in Wes Obermeier. Ball State has been looking for a solid option that produces consistently since Zane Fakes left in 2013. The program and fans alike are confident that these three can turn it around. 

11. Rutgers

An extremely young TE corps for the Scarlet Knights will make it interesting to see who comes out on top. Kyle Penniston is the oldest TE in the squad, and he’ll be backed up by the likes of Jonathan Lewis, Ryan Cassity and Matt Alaimo, vying for that second spot. Look for Jonathan Lewis to make a leap in the 2019 season. 

12. Eastern Illinois

James Sheehan and Alex Smith are the two oldest TE’s on the team, and they’ll be looking to take the brunt of the load. Sheehan was a steady producer on last year’s squad and is looking to do the same this year. Smith, however, is looking to assert himself as a true threat after switching positions last year from LB to TE.