Texas Tight End Jack Endries Declares for 2026 NFL Draft

College football is entering a busy stretch as the transfer portal remains active and the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. On Friday, one of Arch Manning’s top offensive weapons at Texas officially made a major career decision, declaring for the draft. Jack Endries, a redshirt sophomore tight end, will forego the remainder of his collegiate eligibility to pursue his professional ambitions.

Endries’ move was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who noted that the tight end is considered among the nation’s premier prospects at his position. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 236 pounds, he has drawn praise for his combination of size, explosiveness, and versatility, traits that have helped him excel both at Cal, where he spent three seasons, and at Texas during his single season with the Longhorns.

As one of Arch Manning’s key targets, Endries played a critical role in Texas’ offense, finishing his lone season in Austin with solid production. His decision to enter the draft comes ahead of the NFL Combine, which begins in late February, where he will have an opportunity to showcase his skills to all 32 NFL teams.

For Endries, the decision reflects both timing and confidence in his abilities. He cited his readiness to take the next step, acknowledging the growth he experienced during four years of college football while signaling his eagerness to pursue an NFL career.

1. A Prominent Prospect

Endries enters the 2026 draft with strong credentials. According to ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., he is ranked as the No. 3 tight end prospect in the class, highlighting his potential to contribute immediately at the next level. NFL scouts have noted his blend of size, athleticism, and route-running ability as a rare combination that translates well to pro schemes. During his collegiate career, Endries appeared in 39 games, showing consistent production and durability. Across four seasons—three at Cal and one at Texas—he recorded 124 receptions for 1,376 yards and seven touchdowns. His versatility in lining up both in-line and in the slot has allowed him to create mismatches against defenders at multiple positions. Beyond statistics, Endries has impressed with his football IQ and work ethic. Coaches and teammates alike have cited his leadership and attention to detail as key factors in his development, traits that make him an attractive draft prospect. His ability to contribute in both the passing and running games underscores his value for NFL teams seeking a multi-dimensional tight end. As the draft process approaches, Endries’ performances at the Combine, pro days, and interviews will determine where he ultimately lands. Still, his combination of college production and physical tools positions him as one of the draft’s top tight end candidates.

2. College Career Highlights

Endries’ journey to the draft spans four seasons of steady growth. At Cal, he appeared in 13 games for three consecutive seasons, steadily improving his skill set and production each year. His time in Berkeley allowed him to refine his route running, blocking technique, and understanding of complex offensive systems. The decision to transfer to Texas for his final season provided Endries with the opportunity to showcase his abilities in a high-profile program. In 13 games with the Longhorns, he tallied 3 touchdowns and contributed significantly to an offense led by Heisman contender Arch Manning. His performance in Texas’ spread offense demonstrated his adaptability and readiness for NFL schemes. Endries’ cumulative college numbers—124 catches, 1,376 yards, and seven total touchdowns—reflect a consistent and productive career. Beyond the stat sheet, his reputation as a smart, versatile, and explosive athlete sets him apart from many peers entering the draft. By declaring early, Endries signals his confidence that he can make an immediate impact at the professional level. The upcoming months will provide scouts and teams with further insight into his athleticism, competitive mindset, and potential fit in various offensive systems.

3. Looking Ahead to the NFL

With the draft now on the horizon, Endries will begin preparations to compete with the nation’s best prospects. His participation in the NFL Combine and subsequent workouts will be critical in showcasing his physical tools and positional versatility. For Texas, Endries’ departure leaves a void in the tight end room but also demonstrates the program’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. His success could inspire other collegiate players to weigh their draft potential and timing strategically. Endries’ skill set—size, athleticism, and football intelligence—positions him to contribute immediately to an NFL roster. Teams seeking a versatile tight end who can create mismatches in the passing game and provide blocking support in the run game will likely view him as a highly desirable selection. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Endries’ name will be among the top tight end prospects under discussion. His decision to leave school early underscores both his readiness and the confidence he has in his abilities to succeed at the professional level.