Louisville’s 2026 Tight End Room Is Loaded with Talent

Louisville Cardinals 2026 Tight End Preview: Brody Folniversity of Louisville Cardinals enter the 2026 season with one of the deepest and most intriguing tight end rooms in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Head coach Jeff Brohm has assembled a group that combines proven receiving production, experienced blocking, elite athletic traits and several developmental prospects with considerable upside.

Louisville strengthened the position through the transfer portal by adding Brody Foley from Tulsa and Justyn Reid from Tulane. They join returning playmaker Jaleel Skinner, giving the Cardinals three experienced tight ends who have already produced at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. Foley earned first-team all-conference honors after leading Tulsa in receiving, Skinner recorded the best season of his Louisville career in 2025, and Reid contributed as both a receiver and run blocker at Tulane. veterans, Julius Miles, Hamilton Atkins, Dylan Mesman and Travis Egan provide Louisville with athleticism, versatility and future potential. Paul Petrino, Louisville’s senior offensive assistant and tight ends coach, will have numerous options when determining how to incorporate the position into Jeff Brohm’s offense. te transfer Lincoln Kienholz projected to take over at quarterback, the tight ends could become valuable targets in the middle of the field, on play-action passes and inside the red zone. Louisville has not always featured the position prominently during Brohm’s tenure, but the combination of talent and experience available in 2026 could lead to a much larger role. 2026 Tight End Depth Chart

1. Brody Foley — Redshirt Senior

Height: 6-foot-6Weight: 260 pounds Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio High School: Anderson Previous School: Tulsa

Bio

Foley enters the season as Louisville’s projected starting tight end and one of the most accomplished offensive transfers on the roster.

After spending the early portion of his college career at Indiana, Foley transferred to Tulsa and produced a breakout 2025 season. He led the Golden Hurricane with 528 receiving yards on 37 catches while scoring nine total touchdowns—seven receiving and two rushing. He became Tulsa’s first tight end to earn first-team all-conference recognition since the program joined the American Athletic Conference.

Foley demonstrated big-play ability with a career-best 126 receiving yards in one game and a 72-yard touchdown reception against Tulane. His combination of size, production and versatility makes him a potential centerpiece of Louisville’s passing game. s

• Proven receiving production
• Excellent size and length
• Red-zone scoring ability
• Big-play potential
• Strong catch radius
• Versatility near the goal line
• Experience against FBS competition

Areas for Improvement

• Adjusting to the speed of ACC defenses
• Developing chemistry with a new quarterback
• Learning another offensive system
• Maintaining consistency as an in-line blocker
• Staying healthy after missing spring practice with a minor injury

Outlook

Foley has the potential to become one of the most productive tight ends in the ACC.

His 2025 performance proved that he can function as more than a traditional safety valve. Foley can stretch the seam, win contested catches and become a major scoring threat inside the 20-yard line.

If Louisville consistently incorporates him into the passing game, Foley could challenge for all-conference recognition and attract attention from NFL scouts.

2. Jaleel Skinner — Redshirt Senior

Height: 6-foot-5Weight: 230 pounds Hometown: Greer, South Carolina High School: IMG Academy Previous School: Miami

Bio

Skinner returns as Louisville’s most experienced tight end within the program.

The former highly rated recruit played in all 13 games during the 2025 season and made six starts. He finished with 21 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns, establishing career highs in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns.

Skinner recorded four receptions against Virginia, produced 42 receiving yards against Bowling Green and scored touchdowns against Pittsburgh and Kentucky. Before arriving at Louisville, he spent two seasons at Miami, where he caught 10 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown.

His athletic background is impressive. Skinner was rated as one of the nation’s leading tight end prospects coming out of IMG Academy and also competed in basketball and track and field. s

• Exceptional athleticism
• Proven ACC experience
• Excellent length
• Seam-stretching ability
• Fluid movement in space
• Large receiving radius
• Alignment versatility

Areas for Improvement

• Adding functional strength
• Improving consistency as a blocker
• Becoming more physical against press coverage
• Producing more yards after contact
• Maintaining week-to-week receiving production

Outlook

Skinner gives Louisville a different style of tight end than Foley.

While Foley possesses the frame of a traditional in-line player, Skinner can be moved around the formation and used more like a large slot receiver. His athleticism creates matchup problems for linebackers, while his size can be difficult for defensive backs to handle.

Skinner’s familiarity with Louisville’s system should help him remain heavily involved even if Foley begins the season as the starter. The Cardinals could frequently use both players together in two-tight end formations.

3. Justyn Reid — Senior

Height: 6-foot-5Weight: 260 pounds Hometown: Newnan, Georgia High School: Newnan Previous School: Tulane

Bio

Reid provides Louisville with another experienced and physically developed transfer.

During the 2025 season at Tulane, he caught 17 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. He also played an important role in the running game, logging 225 run-blocking snaps for an offense that averaged 170.2 rushing yards per game.

Before joining Tulane, Reid spent two seasons at Southern Miss and recorded seven receptions for 145 yards. His production and extensive blocking experience give Louisville a dependable player capable of contributing in several offensive packages. e a positive impression during spring practice. Although he arrived with a reputation as a blocking tight end, he demonstrated that he can contribute as a pass catcher as well. s

• Experienced run blocker
• Excellent size
• Physical playing style
• Reliable short-area target
• Red-zone potential
• Multiple years of college experience
• Ability to contribute in heavy formations

Areas for Improvement

• Creating separation against athletic defenders
• Developing chemistry with Louisville’s quarterbacks
• Improving top-end speed
• Becoming more explosive after the catch
• Adjusting to ACC competition

Outlook

Reid may not receive as many targets as Foley or Skinner, but his blocking ability could make him one of the room’s most important players.

He projects as a dependable option in short-yardage situations, goal-line formations and two-tight end personnel packages. His presence will allow Louisville to add an extra blocker without completely sacrificing receiving ability.

Reid should have a regular role and could become particularly valuable against physical defensive fronts.

4. Julius Miles — Freshman

Height: 6-foot-6Weight: 220 pounds Hometown: Freeport, Florida High School: Freeport

Bio

Miles enters Louisville as one of the most exciting young tight ends in the program.

He finished his high school career with 158 receptions for 2,809 yards and 27 touchdowns in 30 games. As a senior, he caught 62 passes for 1,176 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging nearly 19 yards per reception.

Miles broke Freeport High School’s career touchdown record and produced several dominant individual performances, including a nine-catch, 205-yard game in which he caught four touchdown passes.

He was also an outstanding basketball player, averaging 27.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. His basketball background is evident in his body control, timing and ability to compete for passes above defenders. s

• Outstanding high school production
• Elite height and length
• Excellent ball skills
• Basketball-style body control
• Red-zone potential
• Ability to make contested catches
• Long-term receiving upside

Areas for Improvement

• Adding functional weight and strength
• Learning college-level blocking assignments
• Adjusting to the speed of the ACC
• Improving in-line blocking technique
• Developing consistency as a route runner

Outlook

Miles may be too talented to keep off the field, even as a true freshman.

He impressed during spring practice and has been identified as a potential immediate contributor. However, Louisville’s veteran depth means the coaching staff will not need to rush his development. nitially contribute in passing situations and red-zone packages while continuing to develop physically. Over time, he has the potential to become one of Louisville’s most dangerous receiving tight ends.

5. Hamilton Atkins — Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6-foot-4Weight: 250 pounds Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky High School: St. Xavier

Bio

Atkins is a local product who has steadily developed within Louisville’s program.

The former St. Xavier standout appeared in 11 of Louisville’s 13 games during the 2025 season and earned his first collegiate start against Pittsburgh. He also received All-ACC Academic recognition.

Atkins made his college debut against Austin Peay in 2024 and has gradually earned a larger role through his blocking, preparation and understanding of the offense. s

• Experience in Louisville’s system
• Strong frame
• Reliable blocking potential
• Local football background
• Assignment discipline
• Special teams value
• Academic and football intelligence

Areas for Improvement

• Receiving production
• Route-running refinement
• Creating separation
• Becoming more explosive after the catch
• Establishing a defined role within a crowded room

Outlook

Atkins provides Louisville with dependable developmental depth.

His experience in the system could help him earn playing time when Louisville needs an additional blocker or uses multiple tight ends. He may also contribute extensively on special teams.

Although the arrival of Foley and Reid creates more competition, Atkins remains capable of developing into a reliable rotational player.

6. Dylan Mesman — Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6-foot-5Weight: 240 pounds Hometown: Saline, Michigan High School: Saline

Bio

Mesman remains one of Louisville’s more intriguing developmental tight ends.

Coming out of Saline High School, he was rated as a four-star prospect by Rivals and one of the leading tight ends in Michigan. As a senior, he caught 50 passes for 631 yards and seven touchdowns without recording a drop. He also did not allow a sack as a blocker.

Mesman made his collegiate debut against Austin Peay during the 2024 season and earned All-ACC Academic recognition in 2025. s

• Former highly rated prospect
• Strong high school receiving production
• Reliable hands
• Good size
• Blocking potential
• Red-zone upside
• Strong academic profile

Areas for Improvement

• Limited collegiate experience
• Earning consistent offensive snaps
• Improving play strength
• Developing route-running precision
• Translating high school production to the ACC

Outlook

Mesman has the tools to become a productive all-around tight end, but Louisville’s veteran depth may limit his opportunities in 2026.

He should compete for rotational snaps and special teams work while continuing to develop behind Foley, Skinner and Reid. His long-term future remains promising, particularly because several of the players ahead of him are nearing the end of their college careers.

7. Travis Egan — Redshirt Junior

Height: 6-foot-2Weight: 220 pounds Hometown: Mount Washington, Kentucky High School: Bullitt East Position: Tight End/Quarterback

Bio

Egan is the most versatile and unconventional member of Louisville’s tight end room.

He arrived at Louisville after an extraordinary high school career at Bullitt East, where he was named Kentucky Mr. Football and led the program to its first state championship.

As a senior quarterback, Egan threw for 2,934 yards and 35 touchdowns while rushing for 979 yards and 17 more scores. He completed more than 66 percent of his passes and threw only five interceptions.

After redshirting in 2023, Egan became a key special teams contributor in 2024. He appeared in all 13 games and recorded eight tackles. Louisville now lists him as both a tight end and quarterback, opening the possibility of a specialized offensive role. s

• Outstanding versatility
• Former championship quarterback
• Running and passing ability
• Special teams experience
• Football intelligence
• Toughness
• Potential for creative offensive packages

Areas for Improvement

• Undersized for a traditional in-line tight end
• Limited receiving experience
• Developing blocking technique
• Establishing a permanent offensive position
• Returning to a consistent role after injuries

Outlook

Egan may never become a traditional every-down tight end, but he offers Louisville something no other player in the room can provide.

His quarterback background creates possibilities for Wildcat formations, option plays, designed runs, passes off motion and fake special teams concepts. He can also continue contributing on coverage units.

Egan’s ability to handle several responsibilities could help him earn a specialty role that extends beyond the conventional tight end depth chart.

Position Strengths

Louisville’s greatest strength is the combination of experience, size and versatility at the top of the room.

Foley, Skinner and Reid have all produced at the FBS level. Foley is coming off a 528-yard, nine-touchdown season, Skinner caught 21 passes for Louisville in 2025, and Reid contributed as both a receiver and blocker for Tulane. Together, they give the Cardinals three players capable of handling meaningful offensive snaps immediately. o gives Louisville several different styles of tight end.

Foley is a complete, physically imposing receiving option. Skinner is an athletic matchup player who can move around the formation. Reid is an experienced blocker with reliable receiving ability. Miles offers developmental explosiveness, while Atkins and Mesman provide traditional depth. Egan gives the coaching staff a potential specialty-package player.

Louisville can use the position in single-tight end sets, two-tight end formations, goal-line packages, H-back alignments and spread passing concepts.

Biggest Concerns

The biggest question is not whether Louisville has enough talent. It is whether the offense will consistently feature the position.

Tight end has not been a major source of receiving production during Jeff Brohm’s first several seasons at Louisville. That could change with Foley, Skinner and Reid on the roster, but the Cardinals also possess a deep group of wide receivers and running backs who will compete for touches. ll also need to define each player’s role.

Foley missed spring practice with a minor injury, Reid and Miles performed well in his absence, and Skinner returns after his best season with the program. That creates quality depth, but it also means the coaching staff must find enough snaps and targets to keep the group involved.

Finally, the room is senior-heavy at the top. Foley, Skinner and Reid could all leave after the season, placing additional importance on the development of Miles, Atkins and Mesman.

How Louisville’s Tight End Room Compares to the ACC

On paper, Louisville possesses one of the ACC’s deepest tight end groups.

Some conference opponents may feature a more established individual star, but few can match Louisville’s combination of three experienced veterans, multiple receiving options and quality developmental depth.

Foley gives the Cardinals a legitimate all-conference candidate. Skinner offers proven ACC production and elite athleticism, while Reid provides the physical blocking presence needed to support Louisville’s running game. Miles may possess as much long-term receiving upside as anyone in the room.

ACC Position Grades

Depth: A

Blocking: A-

Receiving Ability: A-

Athleticism: A

Experience: A

Red-Zone Potential: A

Long-Term Potential: B+

Overall Grade: A-

Louisville’s depth separates this group from many of its conference competitors. The Cardinals should be able to withstand an injury without dramatically changing their offense, and they have enough versatility to tailor personnel packages to specific opponents.

The key will be turning that depth into production.

Final Thoughts

The Louisville Cardinals enter the 2026 season with a tight end room capable of becoming one of the most important parts of the offense.

Brody Foley arrives as the projected starter after leading Tulsa in receiving and earning first-team all-conference honors. His size, athleticism and scoring ability give Louisville a potential difference-maker in the middle of the field.

Jaleel Skinner returns after producing career-best numbers in 2025 and gives the Cardinals an athletic receiving threat who can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Justyn Reid adds experience, physical blocking and dependable receiving ability.

Behind those three veterans, Julius Miles is an exciting freshman with outstanding ball skills and long-term potential. Hamilton Atkins and Dylan Mesman provide developmental depth, while Travis Egan gives the coaching staff a unique athlete who can contribute on special teams and in creative offensive packages.

The biggest challenge will be finding enough snaps and targets for everyone. Louisville has numerous offensive playmakers, and tight end has not always been heavily featured in Jeff Brohm’s system.

However, this room may be too talented to overlook.

If Foley carries his Tulsa production into the ACC, Skinner continues his development and Reid strengthens the running game, Louisville could field one of the conference’s most complete tight end units. The Cardinals have the size, athleticism, experience and depth to make the position a major factor in their pursuit of an ACC championship.