The Oregon Ducks are on the shortlist for the nation's No. 1 tight end for the 2026 freshman recruiting class, and landing five-star Kendre Harrison would be a big addition to coach Dan Lanning's football team and coach Dana Altman's basketball team.
The five-star recruit, listed at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 250 pounds, is a native of Reidsville, North Carolina, and is the top player in the state according to On3. Harrison is also ranked as the No. 6 player overall in the country and No. 1 at the tight end position.
Harrison narrowed his field down to six schools — North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Florida State, Penn State and Miami — and took unofficial visits with all but the Ducks.
As a sophomore, Harrison recorded 17 receptions for 263 yards and five touchdowns, and also played well as a defensive end, recording 92 tackles (24 of which were for loss), nine sacks, and two blocked punts.
“He can develop into a variety of players, but ultimately will most likely be an in-line tight end given his wide catch radius and potential as a blocker. His uncommon size puts him at a distinct disadvantage against high school defenders battling for positioning, especially in the red zone. He's not the best route runner at this stage of his development, but he can adapt to off-target passes and is tough to beat in the open field once he gets there. He'll move people out of the way and clear run lanes, but improved technique will allow him to make a bigger impact at the point of attack. He must continue to progress in his chosen program and embrace the process, but he has the tools to be a real difference-maker on Saturday.”
– Andrew Ivins (via 247Sports)
He also plans to play basketball at the next level, where he holds offers from Florida State, North Carolina State and Texas A&M as a four-star power forward prospect, according to On3. Harrison led Reidsville to the North Carolina 2A state championship game as a freshman, averaging 21.5 points and 15.1 rebounds.
He broke two backboards in the space of three months! Take note, Altman!
The dual-sport athlete has yet to set a date for competing in 2026, and he continues to visit his top six options.
Oregon's Terrance Ferguson has one season of eligibility remaining before he can move on to the NFL, so don't worry, there could be another elite tight end coming to Eugene in 2026.
