Summer is officially here, and for football fans, that means one thing: scouting season is in full swing. Our annual Summer Scouting series is back to preview the upcoming college football season, giving Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans a head start on the names to watch this fall. Whether these players end up in pewter and red, or with other NFL teams like the Bears or Steelers, staying informed is key—and we're here to make sure Bucs fans are the most knowledgeable in the league.

Today, we're turning our attention to a rising star at tight end: Texas Tech's Terrance Carter Jr. After switching from quarterback to tight end in high school, Carter has quickly made a name for himself with his explosive athleticism and impressive yards-after-catch (YAC) ability. His elusiveness in space is a sneaky weapon, allowing him to make defenders miss and maximize every touch.

Carter had a breakout first season with the Red Raiders in 2025, and he's back in 2026 to build on that momentum. What stood out most last year was his growth—he retained the speed and athleticism that first caught scouts' eyes, but added noticeable strength. Now, he's just as capable of running through defenders for extra yards as he is of making them miss. As we look ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, Carter is poised to be near the top of the tight end rankings, and he has the potential to finish among the elite prospects when we finalize those lists next spring. Keep an eye on this one—he's a name you'll be hearing a lot about.