Carter Jr. has all the promise in the world, and ahead of his potential draft year, experts need one thing from him.
Texas Tech will have a handful of players to watch in 2026 as several will likely be on their way to the NFL Draft.
And one who is beginning to garner such attention is tight end Terrance Carter Jr.
After transferring from Louisiana at the end of 2024, Carter Jr. landed with the Red Raiders, and in 2025, his production didn't drop off.
Carter posted 624 yards and 5 TDs from 55 receptions, to be a key cog in the offensive machine.
Having been a serviceable tight end over the past two college seasons, as Carter Jr. enters the 2026 season, many are hoping that he can take his game to the next level
Yes, he has all the physical attributes, but better stats for NFL teams to sink their teeth into is what the main thing people want to see.
For draft experts like ESPN's Matt Miller, Carter Jr. does have some size concerns, but if he puts great things on tape in 2026, that will ease those fears.
"He looked good in his first season with the Red Raiders in 2025, catching 55 passes for 624 yards and five scores," Miller wrote. "But the measurables will be a question mark. Carter is listed at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, numbers that are well below standard for an NFL tight end.
"But his explosiveness and easy movement in the open field could have scouts thinking of Harold Fannin Jr. as a player comp. Carter needs prolific stats and solid play to ease concerns about his size."
It is worth noting that Miller has Carter Jr. as the No. 3 tight end to watch in college football in 2026, so he has high praise for him.
Seen more as a receiving tight end than a blocking tight end, Carter Jr. has all the physical skills to be a matchup nightmare on the field.
His YAC (yards after catch) is something NFL teams will be watching closely, as we know how vital it is to an offense's success, not to mention its alignment versatility, which is a big plus on his resume.
But all of that will count for nothing if Carter Jr. doesn't put up some good numbers in 2026. Yes, experts like Miller are fond of the physical gifts, but NFL teams will want to see better production.
Will they get it in 2026?
