UCF's Dylan Wade shatters records, earning recognition as a top Big 12 tight end poised to lead the Knights toward bowl contention.
Dylan Wade's historic season for the UCF Knights last year keeps catching the media's eye, as they favor him as one of the best tight ends in the Big 12.
Reed Knapper, a college football content creator, made a list of the top tight ends in the Big 12, and Wade made his appearance as the third-best. He's ranked below Kansas State's Garrett Oakley and Texas Tech's Terrance Carter Jr.
All three tight ends are relatively equal in production. Carter Jr. leads the group in receptions (55) and yards (624), while Oakley bests them in touchdowns (6). Oakley has the fewest yards (389), but he and Wade played one less game than Carter Jr.
Wade has cemented himself as one of the best returning tight ends in college football, and he's aiming to continue carrying that honor heading into his senior season.
He said he's comfortable in coach Scott Frost's offense and is willing to line up wherever he needs him on the field.
Whether it's blocking an oncoming rusher or serving as a big-play receiver, Wade is vital to UCF's success next season.
The 6-foot-2 Orlando native totaled 43 receptions for 523 yards and five touchdowns last season. Wade's stats became the new all-time single-season record for a UCF tight end since 1996.
His best performance came against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Senior Knight on Nov. 22, 2025. Wade caught four receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
Coach Scott Frost spoke highly of his tight end's performance, crediting him for providing the team with energy.
"He's become one of our best weapons, and he certainly can keep improving, and I know he knows that," Frost said. "The plays he made out there really gave us seven and set us up for the winning one."
Frost's most reliable receiver will play a significant role in helping UCF aim for bowl contention next season, as the Knights missed a bowl game in two consecutive seasons.
Beyond all the expectations and statistical achievements, Wade said he wants to leave a legacy behind for the Knights and have no regrets in his final year.
"I just want to be able to say I left it all on the line," Wade said. "I did everything I could for the team. No regrets, you know what I'm saying? Nobody can say anything bad about me."
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