Latest news with #ThomasFidone
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking all 18 Big Ten tight end rooms from worst to first
The tight end is often the unsung hero of a successful classic Big Ten offense. Great players at the position provide a rare combination of blocking prowess and efficient receiving. When Michigan, Iowa, or old-school Wisconsin are at their best, a deceptive play-action game allows their tight ends to be some of the most productive receivers on the field. The Big Ten saw six tight ends selected during the 2025 NFL draft -- three of whom were selected in the first two rounds. Those players were Michigan's Colston Loveland (first round, No. 10 overall), Penn State's Tyler Warren (first round, No. 14 overall), Oregon's Terrance Ferguson (second round, No. 46 overall), Nebraska's Thomas Fidone (seventh round, No. 219 overall), UCLA's Moliki Matavao (seventh round, No. 248 overall) and Iowa's Luke Lachey (seventh round, No. 255 overall). Those programs will now need strong replacements in 2025. In all likelihood, the player who emerges in their respective starting slots will have a significant say in the team's success on offense. Position Previews: Defense -- Offense -- Quarterbacks -- Running Backs -- Wide Receivers Now, less than seven weeks away from kickoff, here is a look at those replacements, as well as the Big Ten's full ranking of tight end rooms. 18. Northwestern Wildcats Starter: Alex Lines (Redshirted at New Mexico State in 2024) Northwestern has more questions than answers at tight end entering 2025. Lines transfers in after redshirting in 2024. He tallied 138 yards on 10 catches for Arizona back in 2021 before spending a year at Garden City CC, then one at New Mexico State. He's joined in the room by senior Hunter Welcing. Combined, the two have just 12 career receptions over eight seasons at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. 17. Purdue Boilermakers Starter: George Burhenn (1 reception, 3 yards in 2024) Purdue is tasked with replacing All-Big Ten tight end Max Klare, who transferred to Ohio State this offseason. Burhenn is the favorite to take the role. While he only caught one pass in four games last season, he tallied five receptions for 74 yards and a score as a freshman in 2023. UNLV transfer Christian Moore also has a chance to win this job. 16. Nebraska Cornhuskers Starter: Luke Lindenmeyer (5 receptions, 50 yards in 2024) Lindenmeyer is Nebraska's likely starting tight end in 2025. The former walk-on finally entered the stat sheet last season, catching five passes for 50 yards. The Cornhuskers' other option is quarterback-turned-tight-end Heinrich Haarberg. Either way, this room won't replicate Thomas Fidone's 36 receptions and 373 yards from a season ago. Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire 15. Washington Huskies Starter: Quentin Moore (1 receptions, 14 yards in 2024) Washington has a high-ceiling, low-floor tight end room. Quentin Moore enters his fifth year with the program in 2025. He played just one game last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end has a ton of potential; he just needs to stay on the field. Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire 14. Illinois Fighting Illini Starter: Tanner Arkin (16 receptions, 111 yards, 3 TD in 2024) Arkin was a dependable red-zone threat for the Fighting Illini in 2024, turning three of his 16 receptions into touchdowns. He has real breakout potential entering 2025. Illinois has one of the conference's better quarterbacks in Luke Altmyer and a strong supporting cast. If the team's running game takes off, Arkin could double his touchdown total. 13. UCLA Bruins Starter: Hudson Habermehl (9 receptions, 148 yards 3 TD in 2024) Habermehl has tallied 24 catches, 315 yards and five total scores over the last two seasons. Those numbers could skyrocket with Tennessee transfer Nico Iamaleava under center for the Bruins in 2025. Just like with Arkin, Habermehl could very well finish as a top-half tight end. Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire 12. Indiana Hoosiers Starter: Holden Staes (15 receptions, 131 yards, 1 TD at Tennessee in 2024) Staes is an intriguing player entering the 2025 season. The former blue-chip prospect spent two years at Notre Dame before transferring to Tennessee in 2024. His combined 30 catches, 307 yards and five touchdowns in 2023/2024 give a glimpse at what to expect when he joins the Hoosiers' offense in 2025. Notably, he'll benefit from having one of the conference's better signal-callers in Fernando Mendoza under center. 11. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Starters: Kenny Fletcher Jr. (20 receptions, 137 yards, 2 TD in 2024), Colin Weber (21 receptions, 213 at Charlotte in 2024) Tight end is one of Rutgers' strengths entering the 2025 season. The room is deep with Fletcher and Weber, two players who caught over 20 passes a season ago. The duo should provide QB Athan Kaliakmanis with two of his more dependable receiving targets. 10. Michigan Wolverines Starter: Marlin Klein (13 receptions, 108 yards in 2024) While Klein is mostly inexperienced, with only 14 career catches, Michigan deserves the benefit of the doubt at this position. The program has gone from Luke Schoonmaker to A.J. Barner to Colston Loveland over the last few years. It's unlikely Klein matches that trio of NFL draft picks. However, he should emerge as one of the more important players on the 2025 Michigan offense. Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire 9. Maryland Terrapins Starter: Dorian Fleming (49 receptions, 558 yards, 6 TD at Georgia State in 2024) Dorian Fleming may be Maryland's best offensive player in 2025. The Georgia State transfer broke out in 2024 with 558 yards and six scores. On an offense that lost nearly its entire production after the 2024 campaign, expect Fleming's name to rise to the top of its statistical leaders. 8. Wisconsin Badgers Starter: Lance Mason (34 receptions, 590 yards, 6 TD at Missouri State in 2024) Wisconsin's tight end position has been an interesting follow this offseason. The program first landed Ball State transfer Tanner Koziol -- one of the portal's top players at the position. He then reentered the portal during spring practice, forcing the program to pivot to Missouri State transfer Lance Mason. Mason is set to play a major role as the program shifts back to a pro-style offense under Jeff Grimes. Strong quarterback play could help Mason to a top-five finish. 7. Minnesota Golden Gophers Starter: Jameson Geers (28 receptions, 290 yards, 4 TD in 2024) Geers delivered a solid season as Minnesota's starter in 2024. While the team is worse off at quarterback with Max Brosmer gone, it's reasonable to expect Geers to take another step forward in 2025. He's a classic high-floor, low-ceiling option entering 2025. 6. Iowa Hawkeyes Starter: Addison Ostrenga (15 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD in 2024) Iowa is one of the few programs that deserves the benefit of the doubt at tight end. It sent George Kittle, Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson to the NFL in the late 2010s. Just in the last three years, Sam LaPorta, Erick All and Luke Lachey were all draft picks. Ostrenga had limited production as Lachey's primary backup in 2024. He could now be in for a major breakout as the full-time starter, plus with Mark Gronowski looking like the Hawkeyes' most talented quarterback in five-plus years. Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire 5. USC Trojans Starter: Lake McRee (24 receptions, 245 yards in 2024) McRee is poised for a major breakout in 2025. He shares an offense with one of the Big Ten's best and most crowded receiving corps (Makai Lemon, Ja'Kobi Lane and Zachariah Branch), which could make targets hard to come by. But if the Trojans' offense is performing at its capability, McRee could be among the conference's leaders in touchdown receptions. Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire 4. Penn State Nittany Lions Starter: Luke Reynolds (9 receptions, 111 yards, 1 TD in 2024) Reynolds has major shoes to fill with All-American Tyler Warren off to the NFL. The true sophomore performed well as Warren's backup last season. He's a former five-star recruit and the No. 29 overall player in the class of 2024, so none should be surprised if Penn State doesn't miss a beat at the position. Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire 3. Michigan State Spartans Starter: Jack Velling (36 receptions, 411 yards, 1 TD in 2024) Velling is one of the more experienced returning starting tight ends in the Big Ten this season. He's topped 400 yards in each of the last two seasons, one at Oregon State and one at Michigan State. 2025 should see his touchdown total return to the six-to-eight range after he notched only one in 2024. Velling is a near lock to finish as one of the conference's top-tier players at the position. Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire 2. Oregon Ducks Starter: Kenyon Sadiq (24 receptions, 308 yards, 2 TD in 2024) Oregon has yet another top talent at the position after Terrance Ferguson's departure to the NFL. Sadiq fared well as Ferguson's backup last season, eclipsing the 300-yard mark. While quarterback Dante Moore can't possibly recreate Dillon Gabriel's Heisman-caliber season, Sadiq should be one of the Big Ten's more productive tight ends. Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire 1. Ohio State Buckeyes Starter: Max Klare (51 receptions, 685 yards, 4 TD at Purdue in 2024) The rich often get richer in college football. That was the case this offseason, as Ohio State landed Purdue transfer tight end Max Klare. The rising junior totaled nearly 700 yards at Purdue in 2024 while playing in one of the worst offenses in the country. His move to Ohio State has 1,000-plus yards written all over it. Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kelce Raves About Giants' Late-Round Steal At Tight End
Kelce Raves About Giants' Late-Round Steal At Tight End originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The tight end position has seemingly become more important in recent years. Once considered an afterthought in some offenses, it has become vital thanks to the likes of Rob Gronkowski, George Kittle and Travis Kelce. Advertisement Those three All-Pros have become a measuring stick for other players to try to match at the position. With just Kittle and Kelce left playing, their expertise and leadership among the rest of the tight ends cannot be ignored. It's why the two helped start "Tight End University," a three-day program for players at the position to bond, learn and collaborate on where each can improve. For young tight ends just coming into the league, it's a chance to make a strong first impression amongst their peers. That is precisely what New York Giants seventh-round pick Thomas Fidone II was able to do recently. Advertisement Fidone was impressed during the camp and even shared some surprising words Kelce told him after those workouts. "He told me I was extremely athletic and moved extremely well. He told me that the top of my routes was good. He didn't say it like that, but he said it. So, just being able to hear that from him was cool," Fidone told KETV reporter Matt Sottile. If Kelce is that excited and complimentary over a player like the 6-6, 256-pound Fidone, it's a good first sign that the Giants may have found a steal at the position. The organization currently has Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger ahead of him on the depth chart, but Fidone will fight for a spot on the roster once camp begins. Advertisement Kelce may be onto something here. And if he is? The New York tight end situation will grow in importance, too. Related: Giants Making 'Concerted Effort' to Fix Russell Wilson Major Problem Related: Coach Shockingly Ranks Giants' Jaxson Dart vs. Browns' Shedeur Sanders This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iowa prep lauds Nebraska coach for getting him NFL-ready
Thomas Fidone II was born in Iowa and played high school football for powerhouse Lewis Central in Council Bluffs. But instead of becoming a Hawkeye or a Cyclone, he jumped across the river and went to Nebraska. And for Fidone, it was the best decision he could have made. Advertisement The 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end was selected in the seventh round of the recent 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. At Lewis Central, Fidone became a four-star recruit and was considered the No. 2 tight end overall in the Class of 2021. He was an All-American as a senior after catching 43 passes for 845 yards and 10 touchdowns. MORE: Minnesota high school football district assignments revealed He finished his career with the Titans by recording over 100 receptions and more than 1,500 yards while scoring over 20 touchdowns. Fidone had his choice of schools including Iowa, LSU, Penn State and Michigan, but went with the Huskers. He would play in 26 games over three seasons, including a shortened freshman campaign due to injury. Advertisement Over that time, Fidone caught 61 passes for 633 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 10 yards per reception. During a recent interview with an Omaha television station, Fidone noted that his coach at Nebraska, Matt Rhule, was "the biggest thing" that got him prepared for the NFL. "The offense and the mindset that he brought helped the transition," Fidone said. Fidone has already made a big impression on one standout in the NFL in all-pro tight end Travis Kelce. He competed at the recent Tight End U event and told KETV that Kelce told him he was "extremely athletic and moved extremely well." Advertisement "Being able to hear that from him was cool," Fidone added. MORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NEWS:
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three Predictions: Big Ten in the draft, Nebraska's Thomas Fidone, Indiana
© Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith has predictions on Big Ten products in the NFL Draft, Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone and Indiana securing a commitment for its 2027 class. Advertisement MORE NFL DRAFT: Potential first-rounders that we underranked in high school MORE GREG SMITH: Midwest rumor mill | How transfer portal is impacting Big Ten HS recruiting CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker THE BIG TEN WILL DOUBLE ITS FIRST-ROUND PICKS FROM LAST YEAR USA Today Sports It's become pretty typical that the Big Ten is chasing the SEC for most NFL Draft choices. That'll likely remain the same for overall selections but the Big Ten is closing the gap with first-round selections. This year I think the conference could hit double-digit first-round draft picks. Advertisement Technically, there were only four first-rounders from the Big Ten in the 2024 draft because the West Coast programs hadn't started playing in the conference yet. But this year the Big Ten will blow that number out of the water. We know for sure that Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, Mason Graham and Colston Loveland will go in the first round. There will be plenty others too and people will be buzzing about how well the conference did on night one. THOMAS FIDONE WILL BE THE HIGHEST SKILL PLAYER DRAFTED FROM NEBRASKA SINCE 2016 © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The recent history of Nebraska skill players being drafted is not great. Since 2018 the program has only had three (QB Tanner Lee, WR Samori Toure and WR Trey Palmer) drafted. Interestingly, none of those players signed with Nebraska out of high school. Advertisement In fact, you'd have to go back to the 2016 NFL Draft to find a homegrown skill player drafted as high as fullback Andy Janovich. He was the first pick of the sixth round. But Thomas Fidone has a shot to get drafted and go higher than expected. He was a major recruit coming out of high school and injuries really slowed his progress in college. Fidone still has a lot of that athleticism even if the production wasn't there at Nebraska. Someone's going to take a shot on him. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH NEBRASKA FANS AT FOUR-STAR QB JAMESON PURCELL WILL CHOOSE INDIANA The Illinois four-star quarterback was just in Bloomington to check out the Hoosiers' spring game. Indiana has locked in on him as a top target and the feeling is mutual as Jameson Purcell holds the program in high regard. Advertisement The quarterback believes that he would be a great fit in coach Curt Cignetti's scheme. An added wrinkle here is that Purcell's parents both went to Indiana along with several other family members. It makes a lot of sense for him to be part of the 2027 class. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH INDIANA FANS AT
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WATCH: Tight end Thomas Fidone shines at Nebraska Pro Day
Nebraska football tight end Thomas Fidone had an impressive showing at his pro day on Tuesday, as he looks to continue his preparation for the NFL draft. Fidone had a solid season for the football program last year. He recorded six catches for 373 yards last season. All told, he recorded 61 receptions for 633 yards and four touchdowns during his time in Lincoln. Now, he was looking to impress at his pro day, in front of teams and scouts. He was able to put together an impressive combine showing at the beginning of the month, and now he is looking to continue his upward trend. He was able to show his explosiveness during drills. It will be interesting to see as the solid showings at these showcases will be able to elevate his draft stock. This is a lighter tight end class, and that could work in his favor. Strong day for Thomas Fidone in this setting Moving well, lining up in-line and out wide, sure-handed, explosive in and out of breaks. Hard not to see why he's emerging as a potential mid-to-late round pick — Tim Verghese (@TimVerghese) March 25, 2025 This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Former Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone shines at Huskers Pro Day
