Top-Tier Tight End Reveals NC State Football Offer
Port Huron Northern High School (Mich.) tight end Lincoln Watkins is now on the 2026 NC State football recruiting wishlist as Dave Doeren and his staff look to build on their two early commits in the cycle.
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Watkins, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound three-star ranking No. 20 among tight ends on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, reported via the following post that he received the offer out of Raleigh after talking with recently promoted Wolfpack tight ends coach Gavin Locklear:
#AGTG After a great talk with @CoachGLocklear I am blessed to say I have received an offer from @PackFootball 🔴⚪️ #gopack @RisingStars6 @FballPhn @CoachJeffThorne pic.twitter.com/4SmMorfG6n
— Lincoln Watkins 4✰ (@LinkWatkins2026) January 4, 2025
As a junior at Port Huron Northern, Watkins totaled 39 receptions for 668 yards, 39 rushing attempts for 245 yards, and a combined 17 touchdowns. Plus, he displayed his versatility by recording 42 tackles on the other side of the ball.
He holds well over two dozen offers.
Another national name from the state of Michigan is TE/LB Lincoln Watkins 6‘4“ 230 port Huron Northern HS class of 2026. he is a sensational athlete with all American skills at both positions. Sure handed, super quick with 4.6 speed and a terrific burst.@LinkWatkins2026 pic.twitter.com/lokDLXtHjd
— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) November 4, 2024
In November, Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney pointed to Penn State as the outright favorite in the Lincoln Watkins sweepstakes. But considering Watkins hasn't committed anywhere yet and continues to reel in offers, his recruitment appears to remain wide open.
Meanwhile, the pair of 2026 NC State football recruiting prizes to date consists of Trinity Episcopal School (Va.) three-star offensive tackle Brady Sakowitz and Reagan High School (N.C.) three-star quarterback Jacob Smith. The class checks in at No. 38 in the country, per 247Sports, and No. 7 in the ACC.
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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.