A team captain at both Colorado State and Illinois, Tanner Arkin built his NFL case as a physical blocking tight end rather than a pass-catching threat.
Tanner Arkin overcame a broken collarbone and a broken fibula in high school before starting his college career backing up future NFL tight end Trey McBride at Colorado State. After transferring to Illinois, he twice earned team captain honors and developed into a well-regarded run blocker, going undrafted in 2026 and signing with the New England Patriots.
Path to the league
Arkin grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, and attended Fossil Ridge High School before enrolling at Colorado State, where he redshirted behind Trey McBride. He transferred to Illinois in December 2022 and became a full-time contributor, earning team captain honors entering his 2024 season and again in 2025.
Career highlights
Across five college seasons at Colorado State and Illinois, Arkin caught 45 passes for 351 yards and six touchdowns, with his best statistical season coming in 2024 (16 catches, 111 yards, three touchdowns). He earned a spot on the John Mackey Award watch list in 2025 and built a reputation as a physical, high-effort run blocker, grading well in that phase according to Pro Football Focus.
2025 season recap
In his final season at Illinois, Arkin served as a team captain and continued his role as a blocking-focused tight end who was rarely featured in the passing game. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent, entering a crowded tight end room that includes veteran Hunter Henry.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Tanner Arkin
- ESPN: Tanner Arkin player page
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- Illinois
- Hometown
- Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
