Matt Hibner Scouting Report - TE, SMU

Dive into our Matt Hibner scouting report, covering his bio, traits, player comparison, and NFL projection. Unlock the complete analysis in our Rookie Guide.

Dave Kluge's Matt Hibner Scouting Report - TE, SMU Dave Kluge Published 01/20/2026

© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images, matt hibner scouting report, matt hibner fantasy football, matt hibner, footballguys,

This is a preview from our Rookie Guide. Get yours today.


Matthew Hibner

Bio

  • Hometown: Burke, VA
  • School:  Alabama
  • Year: R-Senior

Measurables

  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 252

Scouting Report

Matthew Hibner was a three-star recruit out of Burke, VA, who chose Michigan over other offers. His three years at Michigan produced minimal on-field production, with just two catches for 15 yards. He was buried behind future NFL talent in a very crowded tight end room: Colston Loveland, AJ Barner, Erick All Jr., Luke Schoonmaker, and Max Bredeson. Hibner transferred to SMU before the 2024 season and immediately broke out with 368 yards and four touchdowns. In 2025, he took another step forward, totaling 436 yards and four touchdowns despite playing one fewer game than the year before.

Hibner is a modern-day move tight end, capable of lining up in-line, in the slot, or out wide. His long frame helps him snare catches away from his body, and he's got the explosion to create quick separation off the line. He's best up the seam where his long strides allow him to make big plays. Hibner lacks high-end blocking traits, regularly gets knocked off his anchor, and struggles with hand placement in the run game. While he can pack on some weight and develop as a blocker, early-career usage will likely be limited to pure receiving snaps.

Rundown

Hibner has the frame and fluid athleticism teams seek in a receiving tight end, but he'll need to add strength and refine his blocking technique to earn every-down usage.

Player Comp

Mike Gesicki

NFL Range of Outcomes

Average Backup to Above-Average Starter


For more information on Matthew Hibner and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!

Pre-order your 2026 Footballguys Draft Guide today!

Photos provided by Imagn Images
Share This Article

More by Dave Kluge

 

Quarterback Rankings and Tiers: One Staffer's Opinion

Dave Kluge

Quarterback rankings provided by Dave Kluge, with explanations on where and why he strays from consensus opinions.

07/15/25 Read More
 

Dynasty Tight End Rankings - June Update

Dave Kluge

Dave Kluge shares his updated dynasty tight end rankings, with extra thoughts on players whose rankings deviate from our consensus.

07/02/26 Read More
 

Value-Based Drafting: The One Strategy Behind Every Strategy

Dave Kluge

Every draft approach you've ever heard of traces back to the same idea, Value-Based Drafting. Footballguys' Dave Kluge and Joey Wright break down the original framework and show how to use it heading into 2026.

06/26/26 Read More
 

Dynasty Running Back Rankings - June Update

Dave Kluge

Dave Kluge shares his updated dynasty running back rankings, with extra thoughts on players whose rankings deviate from our consensus.

06/25/26 Read More
 

Dynasty Wide Receiver Rankings - June Update

Dave Kluge

Dave Kluge shares his updated dynasty wide receiver rankings, with extra thoughts on players whose rankings deviate from our consensus.

06/17/26 Read More
 

Where Will Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and the NFL's Biggest Free Agents Sign in 2026?

Dave Kluge

Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and more are still unsigned. Here's where Dave Kluge thinks each of the NFL's biggest remaining free agents lands before the 2026 season.

06/12/26 Read More