The University of Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with one of the deeper tight end rooms in the Big 12. While the Bearcats may not have an established All-Conference star at the position, they possess a collection of athletic, physical, and versatile players capable of playing multiple roles in Scott Satterfield’s offense.

Under tight ends coach Josh Stepp, Cincinnati has emphasized recruiting and developing complete tight ends who can contribute as blockers, receivers, and special teams players. The room features veteran leadership, experienced depth, and intriguing young talent that should allow the Bearcats to utilize multiple-tight end formations throughout the season.

Projected 2026 Tight End Depth Chart

1. Gavin Grover (Junior)

Height: 6-foot-6Weight: 255 pounds Home town: Lewis Center, Ohio

Bio

Grover enters the season as Cincinnati’s projected starting tight end. At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, he has the ideal NFL frame for an every-down tight end and is the most physically complete player in the room.

His experience gives him the inside track to handle the majority of offensive snaps.

Strengths

• Outstanding size and catch radius
• Reliable in-line blocker
• Strong red-zone target
• Physical at the point of attack
• Veteran leadership

Areas for Improvement

• Needs to become a more explosive route runner
• Can improve separation against athletic linebackers
• More consistency after the catch

Outlook

Grover projects as Cincinnati’s most complete tight end and could quietly become one of the better all-around players at the position in the Big 12 if he takes another step as a receiver.

2. Kellen Davis (Redshirt Sophomore)

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 248 pounds

Hometown: Middletown, Ohio

Bio

A local product, Davis brings toughness and versatility to the offense. He has the frame to develop into an every-down tight end while also possessing enough athleticism to line up in several different formations.

Strengths

• Physical blocker
• Plays with high effort
• Good football IQ
• Reliable underneath receiver
• Strong special teams value

Areas for Improvement

• Needs to improve route precision
• Doesn’t possess elite speed
• Can add more strength against Power Four defensive ends

Outlook

Davis could become Cincinnati’s primary No. 2 tight end while seeing significant snaps in two-tight end packages.

3. Devyn Zahursky (Redshirt Sophomore)

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 247 pounds

Hometown: Berea, Ohio

Bio

Zahursky has quietly developed into one of the more intriguing young players on the roster. His athletic ability gives Cincinnati flexibility to move him around the formation.

Strengths

• Athletic mover
• Soft hands
• Good body control
• Can stretch the middle of the field
• Positional versatility

Areas for Improvement

• Continue improving run blocking
• Needs more overall experience
• Must become more consistent finishing blocks

Outlook

Zahursky has breakout potential and could emerge as one of Cincinnati’s better receiving tight ends.

4. Lyviel Waters (Redshirt Sophomore)

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 245 pounds

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Bio

Waters brings toughness and physicality to the position. While slightly undersized compared to some teammates, he compensates with effort and competitiveness.

Strengths

• Tough competitor
• Physical blocker
• High motor
• Reliable effort
• Special teams contributor

Areas for Improvement

• Limited catch radius
• Needs greater explosiveness
• Route-running consistency

Outlook

Waters provides valuable depth and could carve out a significant role in short-yardage and goal-line packages.

5. Ka’Maurri Smith (Redshirt Freshman)

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 252 pounds

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Bio

Smith is one of the highest-upside developmental players in the room. His size immediately stands out, and another year in the strength program has helped prepare him for collegiate football.

Strengths

• Excellent frame
• Natural athleticism
• High ceiling
• Strong hands
• Red-zone potential

Areas for Improvement

• Overall experience
• Blocking technique
• Route refinement
• Strength against older defenders

Outlook

Smith may not be an every-week contributor yet, but he has the physical tools to eventually become a major offensive weapon.

6. Gavin Gregory (Freshman)

Height: 6-foot-7

Weight: 240 pounds

Hometown: Alliance, Ohio

Bio

Gregory arrives with outstanding length and one of the biggest frames on the entire roster. His combination of height and athleticism makes him an exciting developmental prospect.

Strengths

• Elite size
• Huge catch radius
• Athletic upside
• Red-zone mismatch
• Long-term potential

Areas for Improvement

• Add strength
• College blocking fundamentals
• Route running
• Overall experience

Outlook

Gregory likely benefits from a developmental season but possesses tremendous long-term upside.

7. DaMari Witherspoon (Redshirt Freshman)

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 245 pounds

Hometown: Dallas, Georgia

Bio

Another young player with intriguing physical tools, Witherspoon adds quality depth while continuing to develop.

Strengths

• Athletic frame
• Good length
• Developmental upside
• Willing blocker
• Positional flexibility

Areas for Improvement

• Consistency
• Route detail
• Strength
• Game experience

Outlook

Witherspoon gives Cincinnati another young developmental option that could become a contributor over the next several seasons.

Position Strengths

The biggest strength of this room is its depth.

Seven scholarship tight ends provide flexibility and allow Cincinnati to utilize multiple personnel packages without a significant drop-off. Nearly every player stands between 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-7 while weighing between 245 and 255 pounds, giving the offense plenty of size.

The room also offers a healthy mix of veteran experience and younger prospects, creating strong long-term stability.

Biggest Concerns

The Bearcats don’t currently possess a proven All-Big 12 receiving threat at tight end.

Several players have intriguing upside, but someone must emerge as a dependable pass catcher capable of consistently creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

The group also needs greater consistency as route runners to maximize Cincinnati’s passing game.

How Cincinnati’s Tight End Room Compares to the Big 12

Compared to the rest of the conference, Cincinnati’s tight end room ranks as one of the deeper groups but not yet among the elite.

Big 12 Projection

• Depth: A-
• Blocking: B+
• Receiving Ability: B
• Overall Athleticism: B+
• NFL Potential: B+

Programs such as Kansas State, Utah, and BYU traditionally feature highly productive tight ends, while Cincinnati’s group is built more around collective depth than one dominant player. If Grover or Zahursky develops into a consistent receiving threat, the Bearcats could field one of the conference’s more balanced tight end units.

Final Thoughts

The Bearcats may not have a nationally recognized star at tight end entering 2026, but they have assembled one of the deepest and most physically impressive rooms in the Big 12.

Gavin Grover provides veteran leadership and appears ready to anchor the position, while Kellen Davis and Devyn Zahursky give Cincinnati quality rotational options capable of making plays both as blockers and receivers. Behind them, Lyviel Waters, Ka’Maurri Smith, Gavin Gregory, and DaMari Witherspoon provide impressive size and developmental upside.

If one or two of the younger players emerge as legitimate receiving threats, this room has the potential to become one of Cincinnati’s most valuable offensive position groups. The talent is evident, the depth is undeniable, and the future of the Bearcats’ tight end position looks promising.