Colston Loveland was born and brought up in Gooding, Idaho. A kid from a small village with incredible numbers. He is the type of player who attracts everyone’s attention, sets records, and enters the NFL as a first-round selection. Because he has the numbers, the size, and even the publicity. But does he understand the game?

Loveland took the high school football scene at Gooding High School to the next level, amassing 235 receptions, 3,141 yards, and 35 touchdowns. His contributions helped the Senators reach the Class 3A state semifinals. Committing to Michigan in July 2021, he enrolled early in January 2022, making an immediate impact.

Colston Loveland’s career highlights and statistics

As a freshman at Michigan, Colston Loveland played in all 14 games and recorded 16 receptions for 235 yards, plus two TDs. And then collected awards for his mind-blowing performance – Michigan’s Offensive and Co-Special Teams Rookie of the Year honors, as well as multiple Offensive Freshman of the Game recognitions.

Then in his sophomore year, he racked up 45 RECs for 649 yards and four TDs. And then in 2024, he broke the Michigan single-season record for tight end receptions with 56 catches for 582 yards and five TDs. Then came the recognition for all the hard work – All-Big Ten selection, Mackey Award finalist, and second-team All-American honors.

When you have such numbers and stats, you would think that you would be the first-round pick in the draft, wouldn’t you? Well, a deeper insight into his game presents a more complex view.

Colston Loveland, as a tight end, has a range of skills – he can line up at H-back and out wide. As a blocker, he makes efforts but lacks the size and power to be dominant. But as a catcher, his long arms allow him a good catch radius.

But is he fit for the NFL? Well, yes. There are some teams that might show an interest in him – the Minnesota Vikings and the LA Chargers. Because both teams have some connection with the tight end. The Chargers, whose head coach is Jim Harbaugh, were Loveland’s former coach at Michigan. Whereas, the Vikings have J.J. McCarthy – Loveland’s college QB.

But does he deserve to be one of the first-round talents? Well, mainly, he has been graded as one by CBS, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated.

But is he truly a first-round talent? Major outlets like CBS, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated have him graded as one. Yet his 2023 season was far from impressive. He did have solid numbers – 56 Recs, 582 yards, and five TDs – but that is just the tip of the iceberg. He failed miserably to create separation and struggled against physical defenders. So, he’s reliable, but the first-round picks are supposed to be game-changers, like out of this world. Colston Loveland is hardworking and adaptable, but does not fit that mold.

What is Loveland’s NIL deal worth?

Even before entering the NFL world, Loveland is already a star. His NIL valuation sits at $663,000 per year, ranking him 75th in college football’s NIL rankings. While scouts debate whether he is a first-round player or not, his bank account is already rushing to the end zones – not bad for a player who hasn’t even started his NFL journey.

Who are Colston Loveland’s top NIL sponsors?

Loveland is also signing major deals with big brands like Wolverine Boots, EA Sports, and Chevrolet. And these are just some of them. But the guy has loyalty, too. He joined the Those That Stay campaign of Michigan’s NIL collective – the campaign aims to provide financial incentives to keep star players from transferring. He has also teamed up with Momentous to champion brain health and cognitive function. And he is also coaching at the Father-Son Ann Arbor Football Camp, making sure that he gives back to society.

But not just the deals – Loveland is officially the most-followed tight end in college football with over 50,000 IG followers. So, if he fails at football, there’s always influencer life. (Kidding).

What was Colston Loveland’s GPA in college?

Loveland has excelled in studies, too. He had a 3.76 GPA in high school and continued to maintain it at Michigan. And received Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2024.

Ultimately, Loveland represents a classic case of a talented player benefiting from playing for an elite program. He’s tough, reliable, and will find a place in the NFL. But if you’re expecting a game-changing superstar? Look elsewhere. If he slips to later rounds, he’s a great value pick. If he goes in the first round? Someone just made a mistake.