After Texas capped off its 2025 season with a statement win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl, the Longhorns got more big news - tight end Jack Endries is heading to the NFL Draft.
Endries might have spent most of his college career at Cal, but after transferring to Texas for his final season, he made enough of an impact in burnt orange to be counted among the program’s NFL hopefuls. If he hears his name called in April, he’ll become the third straight Texas tight end to be drafted, following Ja’Tavion Sanders (Carolina) and Gunnar Helm (Tennessee), both selected in the fourth round over the past two years. That’s a notable turnaround for a position group that hadn’t produced a draft pick from 2016 to 2023.
Let’s break down what makes Endries an intriguing NFL prospect - and where he still has room to grow.
A Reliable Target with Big-Play Potential
Endries brought a veteran presence to the Longhorns’ tight end room in 2025, and his impact showed up in key moments. He finished the season with 33 catches - third-most on the team - and while his yards-per-catch average won’t jump off the page, he still managed four plays of 30+ yards. That includes a 54-yard grab against Texas A&M, which now stands as the 10th-longest reception by a tight end in Texas history.
That kind of production, especially in high-leverage games, is what NFL teams notice. Endries showed up when it mattered most - particularly in the Longhorns' final two games of the season against ranked opponents Texas A&M and Michigan. In both matchups, he was a dependable outlet for quarterback Arch Manning, who could be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft.
And it’s not the first time Endries has earned the trust of elite quarterback talent. Back at Cal, he was the go-to target and former roommate of Fernando Mendoza - now a Heisman Trophy winner.
That kind of chemistry doesn’t happen by accident. Endries has a knack for getting open and securing the football - he was credited with just one drop over his last two seasons.
The Blocking Question
While Endries’ hands are a clear asset, his run-blocking is still a work in progress. His 2025 PFF run-blocking grade came in at 66.6 - not terrible, but not elite either - and it was a step up from the 48.2 he posted in 2024. That’s an area where NFL scouts will want to see growth, especially considering he played at a lighter weight than all 16 tight ends drafted last year.
In a league where tight ends are expected to do a bit of everything - chip, seal, and occasionally lead block - Endries will need to prove he can hold his own in the trenches. His size (6'4", 236 pounds) gives him the frame to build on, but he’ll need to add strength and refine his technique to become a more complete player.
Midseason Drought, Late-Season Surge
One curious stretch in Endries’ 2025 campaign was a 10-game span without a touchdown. For a player with his skill set, that kind of drought raises eyebrows. But to his credit, he finished strong - flashing his playmaking ability when the lights were brightest.
Texas often ran two-tight end sets, and while Endries wasn’t always the focal point, he consistently found ways to contribute. His late-season surge helped stabilize an offense that leaned on balance and versatility, and his performance in the Citrus Bowl win over Michigan was a strong final statement.
Where He Stands Among Draft Prospects
As of mid-January, Endries is climbing draft boards. ESPN analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid both have him ranked as the No. 4 tight end in this year’s class. Bleacher Report is even higher on him, listing him as the No. 2 tight end and the No. 44 overall prospect.
That kind of buzz doesn’t come out of nowhere. Endries has proven he can produce in Power Five football, adapt to a new system, and deliver in big games. He may not be the most complete tight end in this class, but his reliability as a pass-catcher and his football IQ make him a compelling option for teams looking to add depth and upside at the position.
Career Snapshot
Here’s how Endries’ college career stacks up:
- 2023 (Cal): 13 games, 35 receptions, 407 yards, 2 TDs
- 2024 (Cal): 13 games, 56 receptions, 623 yards, 2 TDs
- 2025 (Texas): 13 games, 33 receptions, 346 yards, 3 TDs
He may not have lit up the stat sheet every year, but his consistency and ability to step up in big moments are hard to ignore. For a tight end who’s still developing as a blocker but already trusted by two future NFL quarterbacks, that’s a strong foundation heading into draft season.
Bottom line: Whoever drafts Jack Endries is getting a sure-handed, high-IQ tight end with room to grow. He may not be a Day 1 starter, but he’s the kind of player who can carve out a role early - and stick around for a while.