ESPN ranks the top talent producing schools by position. Iowa is #2 at TE, and #3 at Kicker.
The top 5
1. Miami
2. Iowa
3. Stanford
4. Florida
5. Missouri
Best by conference
ACC: Miami
Big 12: Oklahoma (No. 8)
Big Ten: Iowa
Pac-12: Stanford
SEC: Florida
Non-Power 5: BYU (No. 14)
Biggest mover: Colorado State
What a difference a second-round draft pick can make. Trey McBride went No. 55 overall to the Arizona Cardinals after a stellar 2021 campaign for the Rams (90 catches, 1,121 yards receiving) and became the third Colorado State tight end drafted since 2005. That might not sound like much, but it was enough to push the Rams up 26 spots in our rankings, from No. 43 up to No. 17.
Who's missing: Alabama
Considering the Crimson Tide are among the leaders in nearly every other position group, tight end -- where they rank just 38th -- stands out. The Tide have had a few breakout stars, like O.J. Howard, but tight end hasn't typically been a critical piece to their offensive puzzle. Last year, most observers thought Jahleel Billingsley would be the next elite tight end at Alabama, but he got in Nick Saban's doghouse early and ultimately transferred to Texas.
On the recruiting trail: Want more proof that Miami is Tight End U? Since 2006, ESPN has given just 70 tight ends a recruiting grade of 80 or better. Eight have signed with Miami -- three more than any other school. Sure, not all of them panned out, but it's a reminder that a school's traditions make a real difference on the recruiting trail.
The top 5
1. Florida State
2. UCLA
3. Iowa
4. Utah
5. Ohio State
Position U 2022: Which schools produce the most talent at each position?
Did Caleb Williams' transfer to USC from Oklahoma impact QBU? And which schools produce the best at the other positions? ESPN Stats & Information crunches the numbers to let us know.
www.espn.com
TEU is Miami
Sure, other schools have made a recent run at this honor -- from Iowa to Stanford to UCLA. But 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. 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.The top 5
1. Miami
2. Iowa
3. Stanford
4. Florida
5. Missouri
Best by conference
ACC: Miami
Big 12: Oklahoma (No. 8)
Big Ten: Iowa
Pac-12: Stanford
SEC: Florida
Non-Power 5: BYU (No. 14)
Biggest mover: Colorado State
What a difference a second-round draft pick can make. Trey McBride went No. 55 overall to the Arizona Cardinals after a stellar 2021 campaign for the Rams (90 catches, 1,121 yards receiving) and became the third Colorado State tight end drafted since 2005. That might not sound like much, but it was enough to push the Rams up 26 spots in our rankings, from No. 43 up to No. 17.
Who's missing: Alabama
Considering the Crimson Tide are among the leaders in nearly every other position group, tight end -- where they rank just 38th -- stands out. The Tide have had a few breakout stars, like O.J. Howard, but tight end hasn't typically been a critical piece to their offensive puzzle. Last year, most observers thought Jahleel Billingsley would be the next elite tight end at Alabama, but he got in Nick Saban's doghouse early and ultimately transferred to Texas.
On the recruiting trail: Want more proof that Miami is Tight End U? Since 2006, ESPN has given just 70 tight ends a recruiting grade of 80 or better. Eight have signed with Miami -- three more than any other school. Sure, not all of them panned out, but it's a reminder that a school's traditions make a real difference on the recruiting trail.
Kicker U is Florida State
The Seminoles retain the top spot for good reason, given their long history of great kickers. The problem, however, is it has been a while since FSU had a good one. They're just 32-of-51 (63%) on field goals in the past four seasons.The top 5
1. Florida State
2. UCLA
3. Iowa
4. Utah
5. Ohio State