Bears’ Colston Loveland beats out Travis Kelce in ESPN TE rankings

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport. At this point in his career, however, Kelce is no longer the top dog in the NFL. In fact, the experts have ranked young Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland higher than the three-time Super Bowl champion.

ESPN released its 2026 tight end rankings on Friday. The network surveyed team executives, scouts and coaches to determine the top 10 players in every position.

After a remarkable rookie campaign, Loveland is now expected to make even more noise in Year 2.

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) walks off the field during halftime of the game against the Cleveland Browns.

Bears star Colston Loveland among top 10 TEs in NFL, per ESPN

Kelce barely made the list. After being ranked as the fifth-best TE heading into 2025, the Chiefs star now rounds out the 2026 list at No. 10.

“Kelce is far from a burner at age 36, but it’s hard to argue with his production last season. His 429 yards after the catch ranked third among this year’s tight end candidate pool. Kelce was in better shape than the previous year and it showed, though nine drops were not ideal,” wrote ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Kelce shunned retirement for a second straight offseason. He’s set to return for what is expected to be his final NFL season. This latest ranking could serve as added motivation for the 11-time Pro Bowler heading into 2026.

The experts believe that Loveland is now a better TE than Kelce. He was not ranked last season, but the 22-year-old is now considered the seventh-best player at his position.

“Loveland’s production over last season’s final four games showed exactly where his career is going: upward.

“He gained 378 yards on 28 receptions (two for touchdowns) over his final four games, including the playoffs. His target share during that span was 29%. Loveland showed as a rookie exactly why several teams tried to trade up for the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft,” Fowler wrote.

Loveland’s trajectory has been incredible. If he keeps up this pace, it would not be a surprise if he continues to climb the rankings in the coming years. Only time will tell if he can become No. 1 some time down the road.