Big Ten’s No-Nonsense, Block-First Tight End
In the 2025 season, Tanner Arkin started all 13 games for Illinois and posted 13 receptions for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns, while earning a reputation as a physical, run-blocking tight end rather than a high-volume pass catcher[15][6]. He’s the kind of player coaches love: dependable, tough at the point of attack, and apparently trusted enough to wear a captain’s hat in the Illinois program[3][15]. His value is less about gaudy numbers and more about winning ugly snaps, which makes him a strong fit for teams that want a steady, assignment-sound TE who can help in the run game and special situations[8][13].
