It is no surprise to anyone who follows college football and the transfer portal that the FCS has become somewhat of a minor league for FBS programs. Over the last couple of years, countless numbers of top FCS players have made the leap and have become key contributors at their new school.
Now that FCS Preseason All-American and All-Conference teams are being announced, it is a good time to take a look at a few tight ends who could become FBS priorities in only a couple of months. The focus is on players who are non-seniors, except for the Ivy League, since those players often transfer after four seasons because they can’t redshirt.
TE Chris Corbo, Senior – Dartmouth
6-foot-5, 245-pounds
North Caldwell, New Jersey
The skinny: A preseason All-American, Corbo has everything that an FBS program is looking for. He has the size, strength and combination of pass catching/blocking skills that will make him a priority nationally. Corbo showcased his production potential in 2024 with 32 receptions for 315 yards and seven touchdowns. His stock will only continue to rise with another productive season with the Big Green this fall.
TE Ryder Kurtz, Junior – Cornell
6-foot-5, 233-pounds
Stamford, Connecticut
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The skinny: Since he is only a junior, Kurtz will most likely be more of a transfer option after the 2026, but he is still worth noting. After playing with the scout team as a true freshman, he excelled during his first collegiate season on the field in 2024 with 36 receptions for 441 yards and four touchdowns. While he still needs to improve on his blocking skills, all the pieces are there for Kurtz to become an All-American caliber tight end this season.
TE Jackson Connors-McCarthy, RS Sophomore – Marist
6-foot-2, 235-pounds
Andover, Massachusetts
The skinny: Connors-McCarthy is an interesting name to monitor over the coming months. While he doesn’t possess the size of the other tight ends on this list, it is hard to ignore his production as a first-time tight end at the collegiate level in 2024. Connors-McCarthy signed with Bryant as a linebacker but did not see the field in 2023. This led to his transfer to Marist, where he was moved to tight end, where he has flourished. After totaling 50 receptions for 441 yards and three touchdowns, it will be interesting to see how his game progresses in 2025.
TE Sean McElwain, Junior – William & Mary
6-foot-5, 230-pounds
Glen Allen, Virginia
The skinny: Over the last two seasons, McElwain has established himself as a steady and productive contributor at William & Mary. Having totaled 43 receptions for 721 yards and six touchdowns during this time, the potential is there for even more in 2025. Plenty of FBS eyes will be on him to see if he will make that a reality.
TE Seamus Gilmartin, Junior – Harvard
6-foot-4, 220-pounds
Hillsborough, California
The skinny: Similar to Kurtz (above), Gilmartin will likely be a bigger name in 2026 due to his junior status at an Ivy League school, but he is still worth a mention. After playing with the scout team in 2023, Gilmartin had 18 receptions for 379 yards and four touchdowns in 2024. He returns in 2025 with the opportunity to play with the top Ivy League quarterback, Jaden Craig, which should only enhance his stock in the coming months.
