ESPN names TEU, updates Top 5 for tight end producing schools

On3 imageby:Nikki Chavanelle08/11/22

NikkiChavanelle

This week, ESPN updated and reshuffled their “position U” rankings heading into a new season. However, when it comes to the title of TEU, not much has changed.

Although the Miami football program has undergone several coaching changes in the last two decades, the consistency with tight ends makes them a no-brainer for TEU. In ESPN’s rankings, the Hurricanes are also top five for the RBU and DBU titles.

Check out the top TEU programs in the country, the top in each conference, and who’s missing going into the 2022 college football season.

ESPN TEU Rankings

The top 5

1. Miami
2. Iowa
3. Stanford
4. Florida
5. Missouri

Best by conference

ACC: Miami
Big 12: Oklahoma
Big Ten: Iowa
Pac-12: Stanford
SEC: Florida
Non-Power 5: BYU

Biggest mover: Colorado State
Who’s missing: Alabama

Miami continues tradition through strong recruiting

The Miami Hurricanes’ focus (and subsequent success) on tight end recruiting has given the program the edge in the TEU competition. Since 2006, Miami has landed 10% of the nation’s blue-chip tight end prospects.

“Sure, other schools have made a recent run at this honor from Iowa to Stanford to UCLA. Even if Miami hasn’t produced anyone of the caliber of George Kittle in recent years, the run of talent at this position remains impressive.,” ESPN’s David Hale writes. “The Canes have had 13 tight ends drafted since 2000, including first-rounders Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, Greg Olsen and David Njoku

Will Mallory could be the next breakout star this season, or perhaps blue-chip 2022 signee Jaleel Skinner bursts onto the scene. Regardless, Miami’s position as Tight End U isn’t in doubt for the foreseeable future.”

Colorado State is ESPN’s biggest mover after notching a third TE NFL draft pick since 2006. Trey McBride’s second-round drafting pushed the Rams up 26 spots in the rankings, from No. 43 up to No. 17.