Five-star recruit & 2026 class TE Kendre Harrison narrows down his commitment to top 6 schools: REPORTS

Kendre Harrison, a highly sought-after tight end from Reidsville, North Carolina, has whittled down his college choices to six top programs. Standing at an imposing 6-feet-7 inches and weighing 243 pounds, Harrison is celebrated as the premier tight end and the leading player in North Carolina, according to 247Sports. In addition to his football prowess, he is a four-star power forward in basketball, underscoring his remarkable versatility.

Kendre Harrison has received over 40 offers to play both football and basketball at the collegiate level. However, he has decided to focus on North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, Penn State, Miami and Florida State.

“These schools produce tight ends, I like the offenses each school runs, and I have relationships with coaches,” Harrison shared with On3.

Tennessee has made a particularly strong impression on Kendre Harrison, having offered him a scholarship on January 23, 2023. He has visited the Tennessee campus three times, deepening his connection with the program.

“I love Knoxville. Tennessee has amazing people, and it is in an amazing place. Me and coach Alec Abeln have a great relationship. I talk to coach Josh Heupel a lot too. They have shown they can use me in the offense too and make me versatile all over the field,” Harrison stated.

While Kendre Harrison has already visited the campuses of five of his top choices, he plans to visit Oregon for the first time at the end of the month. He wants to commit some time in 2025 after further evaluating his options and building relationships with the coaching staff.

“The next step for me is to commit, but my commitment isn’t coming in 2024 though. It will be sometime in 2025. I will go to games this season, keep talking to these six schools, and then work to make my decision next year,” Harrison explained.

Kendre Harrison shaping his path in football and basketball

Kendre Harrison is a five-star tight end who is placed sixth overall in the 2026 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. On the basketball court, he ranks No. 45 in the United States and is the No. 6 power forward. Having been a fan of Duke since his early days in North Carolina, Harrison is now looking for new collegiate options since Duke is not recruiting him.

“I was a Duke fan growing up. I don’t get recruited by Duke, though, so I had to see all the UNC stuff,” Harrison said.

On the basketball side, coach Nate Oats has built a strong program in Tuscaloosa.

“Well since Nick Saban, that was a key part there. But the coaching staff that came in and changed everything, they’re doing a great job there,” Harrison noted. “Basketball is doing a great job. Football, I’m just ready to see what’s going to happen in the future with them.”

Kendre Harrison's sophomore year football stats include 17 receptions for 263 yards and five touchdowns, along with 92 tackles, 16 quarterback hurries, nine sacks and three pass breakups. He also blocked two punts.

His performance earned him a spot on MaxPreps' Freshman All-America second team. In basketball, he averaged 21.5 points and 15.1 rebounds per game, leading his team to a 26-1 record and a berth in the 2A State Championship finals.