Rivals Five-Star: Key TE storylines to follow heading into Indianapolis
The Rivals Five-Star is being held June 23-24 at the Indianapolis Colts’ practice facility. Here are four tight end storylines we’re following heading into the biggest event of the summer.
IS KAIDEN PROTHRO A FIVE-STAR?
Don’t think of Kaiden Prothro as a prototypical tight end. He’s a jumbo receiver with traits that make him a true mismatch in the passing game. The Georgia native checks in at 6-foot-6 and 207 pounds with 33-inch arms and a nearly 80-inch wingspan.
Prothro also boasts strong pass rushing techniques and outstanding hands with the speed and quickness to consistently create separation. Whether he’s considered a tight end or a receiver, the two-time Atlanta Rivals Camp MVP has proven he can be a dominant receiving threat.
Will he develop enough physically and technically to show he is worthy of being a five-star and project as a first-round selection in the NFL Draft?
WILL LINCOLN KEYES AND KAIDEN PROTHRO BE TEAMMATES?
Despite going to high school about 15 minutes from The Big House, Lincoln Keyes committed to Georgia over Michigan and Ohio State. He’s been 100-percent committed to the Bulldogs since his announcement in November and Georgia has made it known that he won’t be the only tight end it signs in the 2026 recruiting class.
Prothro is Georgia’s prime target to join Keyes, which would give UGA one of the best tight end recruiting classes in recent memory. Their styles complement each other very well with Keyes playing more of a traditional tight end role and Prothro being primarily a receiving option.
A July decision for Prothro is likely and Georgia is the team to beat, but Auburn and Florida are firmly in the mix after getting on campus for official visits earlier this month.
WILL MACK SUTTER STAY IN THE MIDWEST OR HEAD SOUTH?
The Midwest has produced a number of outstanding tight end prospects in recent years and Mack Sutter is certainly on that list. The Rivals250 prospect out of Illinois, who steadily rose up the rankings this cycle, has taken official visits to Illinois, Ole Miss, Ohio State and Penn State so far and has one to Alabama coming up this weekend.
The Crimson Tide are positioned well heading into this pivotal trip but the Illini are working hard to keep Sutter from leaving the state. Bret Bielema and his staff are hoping they can do enough to sway Sutter before he announces his commitment on June 26.
CAN FLORIDA FLIP CARSON SNEED?
It has been almost a year since Sneed announced his commitment to Tennessee. His pledge appeared to be firm until he started taking some visits earlier this year. Ole Miss, North Carolina and Florida are the three teams that have gained the most traction with Sneed this spring but Tennessee isn’t giving up on him.
The Vols are working to quell any concerns that they don’t use their tight ends enough and it’s likely that remains a focal point when Sneed returns to Knoxville this weekend. Look for Sneed to take some time after his Tennessee visit before firming up his plans later this summer.
