Top-Shelf Tight End Places NC State Football in Final Six
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One month after reporting an offer from the NC State football staff, Port Huron Northern High School (Mich.) tight end Lincoln Watkins has Dave Doeren and the Wolfpack in the top six that he announced on Tuesday evening.
ALSO READ: NC State Secures Highest-Ranked Pledge in 2026 Collection
The other surviving suitors in the Lincoln Watkins sweepstakes are Duke, Nebraska, Indiana, Miami, and Penn State.
Narrowing it down.
— Lincoln Watkins 4✰ (@LinkWatkins2026) February 4, 2025
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-@StateCoachD @coachgrantcain @coachjfranklin @CoachMattRhule @coach_cristobal @Coach_MannyDiaz @RisingStars6 @bvandrew @AllenTrieu @SWiltfong_ pic.twitter.com/60f7s3vUp8
Two weeks ago, NC State football tight ends coach Gavin Locklear completed an in-home visit with the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder.
In the past two weeks, Watkins has checked out Duke and Nebraska in person. Although he hasn't advertised an official tour of the Wolfpack facilities, he's noted plans to take such a trip to Raleigh.
Watkins, a top-tier three-star, currently ranks No. 394 overall, No. 21 among tight ends, and No. 6 in Michigan, per the 2026 On3 Industry Rankings. As a junior last season, he racked up 668 yards on 39 receptions, 245 yards on 39 rushes, and 17 touchdowns, not to mention 42 tackles on the other side of the ball.
Megatron like stuff on a weekly basis! 👀 https://t.co/15JZYvaQVn pic.twitter.com/My8EACMxdX
— CoachFletch (@fletch_09) October 5, 2024
NC State is looking to add to a 2026 recruiting haul that received its third early addition this week via the commitment from Milford Mill Academy (Md.) three-star safety Koby Sarkodie. He joined two longtime Wolfpack pledges: Trinity Episcopal School (Va.) three-star offensive tackle Brady Sakowitz and Reagan High School (N.C.) three-star quarterback Jacob Smith.
ALSO READ: Four-Star 2026 RB Pits Wolfpack Against Blue Devils in Final List
Stay tuned to NC State Wolfpack On SI for more NC State football recruiting news.
Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.
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