Name: Colston Loveland
Position: Tight end
College: Michigan
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 245 lbs
High School: Gooding
2024 Season at a Glance: Games: 10 | Receptions: 56 (5.6 per game) | Receiving Yards: 582 (58.2 per game) | Average per Reception: 10.4 yards | Touchdowns: 5
Career Stats at Michigan: Games: 39 | Receptions: 117 (3.0 per game) | Receiving Yards: 1,466 (37.6 per game) | Average per Reception: 12.5 yards | Touchdowns: 11
PFF Metrics: Offense: 85.9 | Receiving: 90.6 | Pass Blocking: 30.9 | Run Blocking: 53.3 | Plays Breakdown: 48% slot, 33% in-line | Receptions: 56-82: 68% completion rate | Yards After Contact: 290 (5.2 avg) | Average Depth of Target: 7.1 yards | Drops: 2 (3.4%) | Contested Catches: 2-10 (20%) | Forced Missed Tackles: 3 | First Downs: 31
Background
Michigan's Colston Loveland began his football career at Gooding High School, where he played a crucial role in the team’s success, helping them achieve a 17-3 record over his last two seasons. During his time with the Senators, he set school records for receptions in a season (91) and in a single game (19). In addition to his excellence on the football field, Loveland was also a standout basketball player, earning first-team All-Idaho honors while averaging 12.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game.
As a high school recruit, Loveland was a four-star prospect, ranked as the 10th-best tight end in his class and the No. 1 overall player in Idaho, according to 247Sports. Though he considered offers from Colorado, Oregon State, and Arizona State, he ultimately committed to the Michigan Wolverines.
Loveland made an immediate impact as a true freshman, starting five games and recording 16 receptions for 235 yards. Beyond his contributions on offense, he played a significant role on special teams, logging 149 snaps and becoming a key asset on Michigan’s kick coverage units.
His breakout season came in 2023 when he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after catching 45 passes for 649 yards and leading Michigan in yards after the catch. According to Pro Football Focus, he was open on 88.7% of his targets, ranking in the 97th percentile among all tight ends nationwide.
In 2024, despite battling a shoulder injury and working with inconsistent quarterback play, Loveland continued to shine. He nearly doubled his receptions per game from 3.0 in 2023 to 5.6 in 2024 while increasing his yards per game from 43.3 to 58.2.
Strengths
Hands: Loveland’s most outstanding trait is his reliable hands. He dropped only two passes during the 2024 season and made several difficult catches, including a highlight-reel diving grab. He finished his Michigan career as the school’s all-time leading tight end in receptions (117).
Athleticism: As one of the most athletic tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft, Loveland consistently demonstrated agility, making adjustments on poorly thrown passes. His at
Colston Loveland just makes things happen.
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 1, 2024
The star TE puts No. 9 @UMichFootball up two scores.#B1GFootball on NBC 📺 pic.twitter.com/Pk4I7ohrNw
Speed: Loveland’s burst off the line and ability to stretch defenses vertically make him a dangerous receiving threat. His speed, combined with his other attributes, allows him to create big plays down the middle of the field.
Weaknesses
Blocking: Loveland’s blocking ability is his most notable weakness and a primary reason why he is projected to be the second tight end drafted after Penn State’s Tyler Warren. He received below-average grades as both a pass and run blocker from Pro Football Focus, struggling with pad level and leverage.
Strength: His lack of power contributes to his blocking struggles, as he often fails to move defenders off the ball. This also limits his ability to break tackles, forcing only three missed tackles in 2024, according to PFF.
Versatility: Due to his blocking limitations and lack of strength, Loveland is unlikely to be used as a traditional in-line tight end in the NFL. His best role will likely be as a receiving-focused tight end in the slot.
2025 NFL Draft Projection
Loveland is expected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. His elite receiving ability will attract teams looking for a tight end who can create mismatches in the passing game. Potential landing spots include the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts.