Top 10 highest-graded returning Big 12 tight ends to look out for ft. Drake Dabney, Maliq Carr and more

It's a new era and a new look for the Big 12. The league will continue to be a high-octane, offense-first league. Some of the nation's best tight ends will play in the Big 12 this fall. From outstanding blockers to big-time pass catchers, the Big 12 will have them all.

Here's an early rundown of 10 top tight ends returning to the Big 12 this fall.

Top 10 highest-graded returning Big 12 tight ends

Utah tight end Brant Kuithe will look to be injury-free for the first time since 2021.

10. Payten Singletary, Cincinnati

No glory boy, Singletary is an old-fashioned, blocking first tight end. Accordingly, his stats in the passing game won't be astonishing. But Cincinnati had a crowded tight end room before the transfer of Chamon Metayer (more on him in a second). With Singletary as the top target, he'll see more passing action. A year ago, the 6 ft. 4 veteran caught a dozen passes for 115 yards and two scores.

9. Chamon Metayer, Arizona State

Metayer has had an adventurous run since he decided to leave Cincinnati. He's had an active offseason, first at Colorado and now at Arizona State. The 6 ft. 5 pass catcher is an impressive red zone option. Last season, he caught 23 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns.

8. Landen King, Utah

After two years at Auburn, King transferred to Utah. The 6 ft. 5 pass catcher is more agile than most tight ends. His stats of 14 catches for 166 yards and three scores a year ago are just a starting place. King will have to share playing time with other talented Utah tight ends, but the Utes may elect for two tight end packages.

7. Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech

After two excellent seasons at Arizona State, Conyers will be a standout in Texas Tech's offense. In the last two seasons, Conyers caught 68 passes for 784 yards and five touchdowns. The 6 ft. 4 Conyers will be a solid receiving and blocking threat for the Red Raiders.

6. Benjamin Brahmer, Iowa State

At 6 ft. 7 and 240 pounds, Brahmer is a massive standout. In his freshman season, he showed incredible potential with the Cyclones. Brahmer caught 28 passes for 352 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He could double those stats in 2024.

5. Mason Tharp, Texas Tech

The 6 ft. 8 Tharp has evolved into a contributor at Tech. In three seasons, he has snagged 44 passes for 476 yards and seven touchdowns. Taking over for starter Baylor Cupp will allow Tharp more opportunities this season. He's likely to shine in his larger role for Tech.

4. Kole Taylor, West Virginia

Taylor transferred in from LSU before last season. After seeing limited snaps in three years as a Tiger, Taylor took advantage of his additional playing time as a Mountaineer. In 2023, Taylor caught 35 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns. The 6 ft. 7 Taylor is on track for a big 2024 season.

3. Brant Kuithe, Utah

Kuithe is entering his seventh season at Utah this fall. Injuries have unfortunately played a major part in his career. Back in 2021, Kuithe caught 50 passes for 611 yards and six scores. Unfortunately, he's only played in four games since. If he is indeed finally healthy (and can stay that way), Kuithe could be an All-American or at least All-Big 12.

2. Maliq Carr, Houston

Carr transfers in from Michigan State. The 6 ft. 5 target is physical enough to block but speedy enough to essentially be a slot receiver. Last year at MSU, Carr caught 30 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns. Given Houston's offense and another year of experience, Carr is likely to do even better this fall in the Big 12.

1. Drake Dabney, TCU

Dabney moves over from Baylor, where a year ago, he had a memorable season. The 6 ft. 5 veteran snagged 33 passes for 552 yards and five touchdowns. Dabney will take snaps from the departed Jared Wiley and is likely to play a big role with the Horned Frogs.

Which Big 12 tight ends are you excited to see in 2024? Let's hear from you in the comments section below!