2026 TE Evan Jacobson Draws National Attention, Eyes June Officials
Over the past five months, Waukee High School (Iowa) has been a hotspot for college coaches due to the presence of four-star tight end Evan Jacobson, one of the top prospects in the 2026 class.
The 6-foot-7, 220-pounder has embraced the attention from programs across the country, but he admits it's been a relief to see the pace slow down recently, which has given him more time to focus on development.
“It’s definitely been busy, but it’s been good,” Jacobson told ISD. “I’ve narrowed things down, which has been nice. It wasn’t quite like the last window when coaches were on the road, so it wasn’t every school. It’s nice to be in class a little more, but it’s still been busy.
“I’m just training in the weight room and it’s finally getting warm enough here so we can hit the field.”
Jacobson isn’t focused on one specific area of his game as he’s trying to improve everything before his senior year.
“I would say everything,” said Jacobson. “I want to improve each and every year. I think I’m pretty good at everything, but not to the level of where I want to be for my senior year - everything from run game to pass game and even to pass pro.”
Jacobson, like many top 2026 prospects, appreciates the NCAA’s updated recruiting rules that allow for more meaningful in-person time with coaches during the spring.
Yet, the conversations are much the same at this time of the year as official visits are quickly approaching.
“They are all pretty similar,” Jacobson explained. “I have most of my official visits locked in and I’m going to finalize that schedule soon. Some schools are really pushing to get me on an official and talking about the plan they have for me, but also why they need and want me.”
The 6-foot-7, 220-pounder admits there are schools pushing for an earlier decision, which he understands, but Jacobson is set on taking his official visits in June.
“Every school wants a kid committed just so they don’t have to deal with all the extra stuff,” laughed Jacobson. “Some schools are pushing hard, but I know for me, I’ll take my June official visits and my commitment timeline will probably be in July. That’s my plan there.”
Notre Dame remains a key contender in his recruitment. Tight ends coach and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock has been to Waukee multiple times, including earlier this month, and has built a strong rapport with Jacobson.
“My relationship with Coach Denbrock has grown a ton,” said Jacobson. “He offered me over the winter and I think it’s grown from getting out to see Notre Dame in the spring and then all the phone calls, texts and conversations we’ve had. He came back out to see me and we have a really good relationship. I feel very comfortable talking with him and we get along well. I think we have similar personalities, so I enjoy that.”
Jacobson also appreciates Denbrock’s sense of humor and experience developing NFL-caliber tight ends.
“He’s definitely a funny guy,” Jacobson stated. “I enjoy talking to him, to be honest. He’s a little goofy, but he knows when to turn that on and off. He’s just a good guy to talk to.
“My first goal is to get to the NFL,” Jacobson said. “He’s had immense success doing that and that’s something that’s really exciting and intrigues me.”
When it comes to his official visits, Jacobson plans to look much deeper into every school, including how each program plans to develop him.
“The big things for me will be getting to know the players more by getting around them during the officials,” said Jacobson. “I really want to dive into the football side of things. I’ve talked about that stuff with all the schools, but I really want to see the developmental plan for me and what they have in store.”
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