​It’s widely known that five-star tight end Tytan McNeal stands as Washington Huskies’ premier target at the position in the 2028 class. An in-state product from Eastside Catholic High School, McNeal sits atop national rankings at his position according to 247Sports, and Washington has been pursuing him aggressively for quite some time under the leadership of tight ends coach Jordan Paopao. Yet as the Huskies strive to add depth across the roster, another noteworthy talent has emerged from the Pacific Northwest at the tight end spot.
Three-star prospect Presley DeLance, who hails from Lake Oswego High School in Oregon, is poised to ascend quickly over his final two years of high school football and become a high-priority target for Jedd Fisch and his coaching staff. Washington is among the 12 programs to have offered the 6-foot-4, 230-pound athlete, who Rivals ranks as the nation’s No. 19 tight end and Oregon’s top player at the position. Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, and Utah are also in the mix as potential destinations for DeLance.
DeLance’s on-field production may currently read modest—just nine receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore—but his athletic profile stands out. He primarily lines up at wide receiver, and he would need to add mass and strength to develop into an effective inline blocker in college. Nevertheless, his combination of breakaway speed, reliable hands, and ability to separate on routes aligns with what Fisch seeks in a tight end who can be moved around the formation to create mismatches.
Historically, Washington’s head coach has built offense around players who can be leveraged to create favorable matchups, a tendency seen in his use of versatile players such as Decker DeGraaf in his first two seasons. DeLance would likely fit that same mold, offering Fisch a dynamic option who can line up in multiple spots and threaten defenses in multiple ways.
As DeLance’s stock continues to rise on national boards, the Huskies could intensify their efforts to land him, potentially making a significant push to bring him into the fold. The combination of DeLance’s athletic upside and Washington’s track record of utilizing athletic tight ends to create mismatches could make him an attractive addition to Fisch’s offense, adding another layer of versatility and explosiveness to a unit already known for its creative scheming.
This evaluation reflects the broader context of Washington’s 2028 class discussions and the ongoing pursuit of top-tier tight ends who can contribute in multiple roles. With McNeal remaining a top national target and DeLance emerging as a compelling candidate, the Huskies’ tight end pipeline could become a focal point as recruiting heats up across the region and coast-to-coast.