The Seam-Stretchers: 2026 UFL Tight End Power Rankings

Introduction: The Great Redistribution of Talent

The 2026 UFL season represents one of the most dramatic shifts in talent distribution since the league’s formation. With ownership changes and structural realignment led by co-owner Mike Repole, several franchises were restructured and three new expansion markets—Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando—entered the league.

As a result, rosters that once belonged to teams like the Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and San Antonio Brahmas were redistributed across the league. This created a fascinating dynamic: veteran contenders suddenly gained depth while expansion teams acquired legitimate star power.

One position that perfectly reflects this transition is tight end.

Once viewed primarily as an extra blocker in spring football, the tight end position has evolved into one of the league’s most important offensive weapons. Modern UFL offenses now utilize tight ends as matchup creators, red-zone targets, and versatile chess pieces that stress defenses.

With the March 27 kickoff approaching, here are the Top 10 Tight Ends entering the 2026 UFL season.

Tier 1: The Gold Standard

1. Jace Sternberger – Birmingham Stallions

Strengths: Vertical speed, route awareness, red-zone dominance

Jace Sternberger enters the 2026 season as the undisputed standard for tight end play in the UFL. The former Texas A&M standout has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in spring football, combining NFL-level athleticism with veteran experience.

After rumors circulated about a possible retirement following the 2025 season, Sternberger elected to return and anchor the Stallions offense under new head coach A.J. McCarron. His ability to stretch the seam forces defenses to respect the middle of the field, creating opportunities for Birmingham’s wide receivers and running backs.

What separates Sternberger from the rest of the league is his ability in the red zone. Defensive coordinators often commit extra coverage to him inside the 20-yard line, yet he still finds ways to produce. His ability to high-point the football and win contested catches makes him a nightmare matchup for linebackers and safeties alike.

With multiple championships already on his résumé, Sternberger now enters the 2026 season focused on cementing his legacy as the greatest tight end in modern spring football history.

2. Trevon McKitty – Louisville Kings

Strengths: Physical blocking, size advantage, three-down reliability

Expansion teams rarely begin their inaugural seasons with a legitimate star at tight end, but Louisville struck gold with Trevon McKitty.

The former NFL third-round draft pick brings immediate credibility to head coach Chris Redman’s Louisville Kings offense. McKitty is a complete tight end capable of contributing both as a pass catcher and as a devastating point-of-attack blocker.

Standing over 6-foot-4 with a powerful frame, McKitty excels in Y-option routes, using his body positioning to shield defenders and create throwing windows for quarterbacks. His physical presence also makes him an important part of Louisville’s rushing attack, where he often seals the edge for outside run plays.

Perhaps most importantly, McKitty brings NFL-level fundamentals to the Kings locker room. His experience at the professional level provides leadership for a young roster still finding its identity.

If Louisville’s offense develops quickly, McKitty could easily emerge as one of the league’s most productive tight ends while simultaneously earning attention from NFL teams looking for depth at the position.

Tier 2: The Mismatch Nightmares

3. Sage Surratt – St. Louis Battlehawks

Strengths: Physical receiving style, contested catches, possession target

Sage Surratt has quietly developed into one of the most reliable tight ends in the UFL. With his large frame and strong hands, he specializes in winning contested catches, particularly on intermediate routes across the middle.

Following offseason roster changes that reshaped the Battlehawks offense, Surratt now enters 2026 as a central piece of head coach Ricky Proehl’s offensive system.

Quarterbacks love throwing to Surratt because he consistently creates space using physical leverage rather than pure speed. On third down, he becomes a crucial safety valve capable of extending drives.

If St. Louis makes another playoff run this season, expect Surratt to be heavily involved. His ability to dominate in tight coverage situations could lead the league in contested receptions.

4. Curtis Hodges – Houston Gamblers

Strengths: Elite size, red-zone target, matchup nightmare

At 6-foot-8, Curtis Hodges presents one of the most unique matchup problems in the UFL.

Houston head coach Kevin Sumlin recognized this immediately and incorporated Hodges heavily into the Gamblers’ offensive scheme. His basketball-style rebounding ability allows quarterbacks to throw high fade routes that few defenders can contest.

While Hodges may not possess elite straight-line speed, his size and wingspan make him an exceptional red-zone weapon. Defensive backs simply cannot match his reach, and linebackers often struggle to cover him in space.

If Houston’s offense can consistently move the ball between the 20s, Hodges could quickly become one of the league leaders in touchdown receptions.

5. Alizé Mack – Orlando Storm

Strengths: Athleticism, vertical routes, explosive upside

Few tight ends in the UFL possess the raw athletic potential of Alizé Mack.

After being absorbed into the Orlando roster following league restructuring, Mack now finds himself in a system that perfectly suits his abilities. Head coach Anthony Becht runs an offense that prioritizes tempo and vertical passing concepts, allowing Mack to attack the middle of the field.

Mack’s speed allows him to challenge linebackers downfield, while his athletic ability gives him an advantage in jump-ball situations.

The biggest question for Mack entering the 2026 season is consistency. If he can translate his physical gifts into reliable production, he could easily move into the league’s elite tier by the end of the season.

Tier 3: The Technical Specialists

6. Gunnar Oakes – Columbus Aviators

Gunnar Oakes may not possess the highlight-reel athleticism of some of the league’s top tight ends, but he might be the most technically sound player at the position.

Playing in head coach Ted Ginn Jr.’s offensive system, Oakes thrives as a third-down conversion machine. His ability to read defensive coverage and settle into open zones makes him an invaluable target for quarterbacks looking to move the chains.

In Columbus’ up-tempo offense, Oakes frequently becomes the quarterback’s most reliable check-down option.

7. Jordan Thomas – Birmingham Stallions

Jordan Thomas plays a vital role in Birmingham’s offense despite sharing the tight end room with superstar Jace Sternberger.

Thomas serves as the blocking foundation of the Stallions’ two-tight-end system. His physicality allows Birmingham to maintain one of the most effective rushing attacks in the league.

While he may not produce eye-popping receiving numbers, his contributions are critical to the Stallions’ offensive balance.

8. Mason Fairchild – DC Defenders

Mason Fairchild enters the UFL as one of the most polished rookies at the tight end position.

The former Kansas standout brings exceptional route discipline and a high football IQ to the Defenders offense.

Fairchild may lack elite athleticism, but he compensates with strong positioning and awareness, making him a dependable target in short and intermediate situations.

9. Steven Stilianos – Orlando Storm

Steven Stilianos emerged as one of the biggest surprises of Orlando’s training camp.

The versatile tight end can line up as an H-back, fullback, or traditional tight end, giving the Storm offense tremendous flexibility in its formations.

His versatility could allow Orlando to create matchup advantages using creative personnel packages.

10. Ben Bresnahan – DC Defenders

Every successful offense needs a player who quietly does the dirty work. For the DC Defenders, that player is Ben Bresnahan.

While Bresnahan may never lead the league in receiving yards, his reliability as a blocker and pass protector makes him essential to the Defenders’ offensive structure.

Quarterbacks trust Bresnahan to execute assignments perfectly, especially on play-action plays that require extended protection.

He may not be flashy, but Bresnahan is the type of player championship teams rely on.