2026 UNC Football Tight End Room Overview
Article by: Trevor Williams
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North Carolina's tight end room entering 2026 may be the deepest and most complete position group on the entire offense. With offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino building the offense, expect the tight ends to play a major role as blockers in the run game while also creating mismatches in the passing attack. The Tar Heels have a tight end room with Power Four experience, NFL size, and a high upside.
#80 Jordan Washington | Tight End | 6'4, 264
Jordan Washington transfers to North Carolina after spending two seasons at Texas. A former four-star recruit, he redshirted in 2024 before appearing in seven games with two starts in 2025. While the stats weren't eye-popping, he gained valuable experience against SEC competition and now comes to Chapel Hill with three years of eligibility remaining.
What Stands Out
Washington has the size and athleticism to be a true every-down tight end. At 6-foot-4, 264 pounds, he can line up inline, flex out as a receiver, or move around the formation. He has a big catch radius, moves well for his size, and has the physical tools to make an impact as both a blocker and pass catcher.
2026 Outlook
I expect Washington to compete for a starting role immediately. With Bobby Petrino's offense likely featuring the tight end more than we've seen in recent years, his versatility should make him a key piece of the offense.
I think Jordan Washington has a chance to be one of UNC's biggest portal steals. He was buried on a loaded Texas roster, but the talent has always been there. A fresh start and a bigger opportunity could lead to a breakout season in Chapel Hill.
Footage Courtesy of ESPN
#19 Jaxxon Warren | Tight End | 6'8, 245
Jaxxon Warren brings one of the most unique skill sets on North Carolina's roster. The Colorado State transfer began his college career as a quarterback at North Texas before transitioning to tight end at Navarro College, where he caught 17 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns. After redshirting in 2024 at Colorado State, he broke out early in 2025 with seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown in just two games before a foot injury ended his season. Now healthy, Warren arrives in Chapel Hill with three years of eligibility and plenty of upside.
What Stands Out
You simply can't teach Warren's size.
At 6-foot-8, he's an immediate mismatch against linebackers and safeties. His background as a quarterback shows up in the way he understands leverage and tracks the football, while his massive catch radius makes him a dangerous target down the seam and in the red zone. He's still developing as an all-around tight end, but his athleticism gives Bobby Petrino a unique weapon that defenses will have to account for.
2026 Outlook
If Warren can stay healthy, I think he'll carve out a significant role in this offense. UNC completely revamped the tight end room, and his ability to stretch the field gives the Tar Heels something they haven't had at the position in a while. Expect Petrino to use him on play-action, vertical concepts, and in red-zone packages where his size becomes a huge advantage.
Jaxxon Warren is one of the biggest boom-or-bust players on the offense, but I love taking a chance on a player with his traits. A healthy 6-foot-8 tight end who can run is a nightmare matchup, and we've already seen flashes of what he can do. If he stays on the field, I think UNC fans are going to fall in love with what he brings to this offense.
Footage Courtesy of ESPN
#45 Jelani Thurman | Tight End | 6'6, 250
Jelani Thurman arrives at North Carolina with more big-game experience than anyone else in the tight end room. The former Ohio State transfer appeared in 35 games over three seasons with the Buckeyes, including every game during their 2024 national championship run and all 14 games in 2025. He finished last season with seven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a three-catch, 44-yard performance against Grambling. Now in Chapel Hill, Thurman has the opportunity to turn that experience into a much larger role.
Footage Courtesy of ESPN
What Stands Out
Thurman has the ideal frame for a modern tight end. At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, he's a smooth athlete who can create mismatches in the passing game while also holding his own as a blocker. He's comfortable working over the middle of the field, has reliable hands, and brings experience from one of the nation's most talented offenses. That combination makes him a dependable option in any situation.
2026 Outlook
I think Thurman is going to push for a major role immediately. Bobby Petrino loves using multiple tight ends, and Thurman's experience, size, and versatility make him a perfect fit. Whether he's lining up in-line or split out, expect him to be involved throughout the season.
I think Jelani Thurman is one of the safer portal additions UNC made this offseason. The production at Ohio State doesn't jump off the page, but it's hard to crack that lineup with all the NFL talent they had. He arrives with plenty of experience, has all the physical tools, and I wouldn't be surprised if he puts together the best season of his college career in Chapel Hill.
Footage Courtesy of ESPN
#84 Shemar Easter | Tight End | 6'5, 230
Shemar Easter returns for his second season at North Carolina after transferring from Arkansas a year ago. The former four-star recruit appeared in seven games during the 2025 season, making starts against Stanford and Wake Forest while recording two receptions for 17 yards. His production was limited, but the coaching staff trusted him enough to put him in the starting lineup late in the year, which says a lot about his development.
What Stands Out
Easter is an athletic tight end with plenty of room to grow. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, he moves well in space and has the ability to stretch the field more than a traditional in-line tight end. He's still developing physically, but his size and athleticism give him intriguing upside as both a receiver and blocker.
Photo Courtesy of Dream Makers Sports & Entertainment2026 Outlook
With UNC adding several transfers at tight end, Easter will have to earn his snaps. Still, he's one of the few players in the room who already understands the offense and has game experience in Chapel Hill. That familiarity could help him carve out a role as the season progresses.
I don't think we've seen the best of Shemar Easter yet. He was a highly touted recruit for a reason, and while the production hasn't matched the talent so far, I think there's still plenty of upside. The competition at tight end is much tougher this year, but don't count him out. If everything starts to click, he has the athletic ability to become a valuable piece of this offense.
#87 Carson Sneed | Tight End | 6'6, 242
Carson Sneed enters Chapel Hill as one of the top true freshmen in UNC's 2026 class. The former four-star recruit flipped from Tennessee late in the recruiting cycle and arrives with the size, athleticism, and ball skills to develop into a difference-maker at tight end. He starred at Donelson Christian Academy, earning All-State honors while showcasing the ability to make plays all over the field.
What Stands Out
Sneed is a natural pass catcher with a huge catch radius. At 6-foot-6, he creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties, runs polished routes for a young tight end, and consistently wins contested catches. As he continues to add strength, he has all the tools to become a complete every-down player.
2026 Outlook
With so much veteran talent in the tight end room, Sneed won't be forced into a major role immediately. That should allow him to develop physically while learning behind experienced players. If he sees the field this season, it'll likely be in specific packages where his receiving ability can shine.
Carson Sneed is a long-term investment for this program. I don't expect him to be a major contributor as a true freshman, but I think he has one of the highest ceilings in the room. Give him a year to develop, and I could easily see him becoming one of UNC's top offensive weapons in the future.
#88 Deems May | Tight End | 6'2, 230
Deems May is one of the longest-tenured players on North Carolina's roster. After beginning his career on the defensive line, he made the move to tight end and has continued to develop at the position. An injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, but he's back looking to provide valuable depth and leadership to a completely revamped tight end room.
What Stands Out
May is a tough, physical football player who understands what it takes to do the dirty work. His defensive background shows up as a blocker, and he's always been willing to contribute on special teams. He's not the biggest receiving threat in the room, but he's the type of player coaches trust because of his effort, versatility, and willingness to do whatever is asked.
Photo Courtesy of Deems May Instagram2026 Outlook
With several transfer additions ahead of him, May will likely compete for snaps as a depth tight end while continuing to be a factor on special teams. If he can stay healthy, his experience and physicality give him a chance to carve out a role.
It's great to see Deems back after missing all of last season. He may not fill up the stat sheet, but every team needs players like him. He's experienced, selfless, and understands the program. Even if his biggest impact doesn't come through catches, I think he'll bring value to this team every week.
#85 Dream Rashad | Tight End | 6'5, 222
Dream Rashad enters Chapel Hill as one of the more intriguing true freshmen in UNC's 2026 recruiting class. Originally committed to Purdue, Rashad flipped to North Carolina on Signing Day after Bobby Petrino and the Tar Heels made him a priority. A former high school quarterback at Buford (GA), he made the transition to tight end as a senior and immediately flashed the athleticism that made him a Power Four prospect.
What Stands Out
Rashad is still learning the position, but his upside is obvious. His quarterback background gives him a natural feel for finding space in coverage, and he moves more like a wide receiver than a traditional tight end. At 6-foot-5, he has a large catch radius and the athleticism to become a matchup problem once he continues to develop as a blocker and route runner.
2026 Outlook
With so much veteran talent in the tight end room, Rashad won't be asked to contribute immediately. That should give him the opportunity to learn the position, add strength, and develop under Bobby Petrino without the pressure of playing right away.
Dream Rashad is a true developmental prospect, but I love taking chances on athletes like this. Making the move from quarterback to tight end isn't easy, yet he earned Power Four offers after just one season at the position. Give him a couple of years in UNC's strength program, and I think he has a chance to become a really exciting weapon in this offense.
