PFF names top 10 returning college football tight ends for 2022

The college football season just ended, but the 2022 campaign is already just around the corner. While most players have made their decisions on the next steps in their careers, whether that’s to stay put at their current school, enter the transfer portal and head elsewhere or declare for the NFL Draft, there are many high-profile players returning to college football to play next season.

Looking specifically at tight ends, there are many dominant ones that will be back playing on Saturdays this coming fall. Pro Football Focus compiled a ranking of the top 10 tight ends that are returning to college football for the 2022 season.

Here’s a look at the complete ranking from PFF, from Nos. 1-10.

PFF’s Top 10 Returning College Football Tight Ends for 2022

1.) Brock Bowers, Georgia Bulldogs: Although he was just a true freshman in 2021, Bowers put together a standout season for Georgia – making 56 receptions for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns to earn a PFF grade of 91.7. He averaged 15.8 yards per catch for the Bulldogs and should be a big target for them again next season.

2.) Michael Mayer, Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Mayer, who plays like a wide receiver in Notre Dame’s offense, put up 840 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 catches last season. He received a grade of 82.0 from PFF.

3.) Arik Gilbert, Georgia Bulldogs: Gilbert didn’t suit up in a single game for Georgia in 2021 due to personal reasons, but he did record 35 receptions for 368 yards and two touchdowns while playing for LSU in 2020, which earned him a PFF grade of 73.0.

4.) Brant Kuithe, Utah Utes: Making 50 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns last season, Kuithe received a 75.0 PFF grade. He’s earned a grade of 75.0 or higher in four straight seasons.

5.) Jaheim Bell, South Carolina Gamecocks: Bell played a big role in South Carolina’s win over North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, catching five passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns to earn a PFF grade of 95.1 for the game. He’s expected to be a big factor in the Gamecocks’ offense in 2022.

6.) Erick All, Michigan Wolverines: All stepped up this past season and tallied 437 yards and two touchdowns on 38 receptions – good enough for a PFF grade of 75.4.

7.) Dalton Kincaid, Utah Utes: Alongside Kuithe, Kincaid is another important tight end for Utah. Recording 36 catches for 510 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021, PFF gave Kincaid a grade of 83.2 for his production on the field.

8.) Austin Stogner, South Carolina Gamecocks: Stogner totaled 166 yards and three touchdowns while with Oklahoma last season, and he’s now heading into his first year at South Carolina with fellow OU quarterback Spencer Rattler. He earned a PFF grade of 87.3 during the 2020 season.

9.) Marshon Ford, Louisville Cardinals: A former walk-on, Ford has become a consistent offensive threat for Louisville over the years. He made 49 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns for the Cardinals last season, averaging 11.2 yards per catch.

10.) Sam Laporta, Iowa Hawkeyes: Laporta received a PFF grade of 80.0 after catching 53 passes for 670 yards and three touchdowns for Iowa in 2021.

SLEEPER TO WATCH: Jahleel Billingsley, Texas Longhorns: Billingsley, who’s now reunited with Steve Sarkisian after starting his collegiate career at Alabama, made 17 catches for 256 yards and three touchdowns with the Crimson Tide last season and is PFF’s Sleeper To Watch for 2022.