Dalton Kincaid: From FCS Standout to NFL Pro Bowler

Dalton Kincaid, a rising star in the National Football League, has quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic tight end. His journey to professional football is a testament to his athletic ability and dedication to the sport. From a basketball-focused high school career to a standout college player, Kincaid has consistently demonstrated his potential as a versatile offensive weapon.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on October 18, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dalton Kincaid holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada. He attended Faith Lutheran High School in Summerlin, Nevada, where he primarily focused on basketball. Kincaid excelled in basketball, even winning an AAU Championship during his senior year. It was only after his friends persuaded him to join the football team that he discovered his talent for the sport. In his single season of high school football, Kincaid earned all-state honors, amassing 745 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

College Career

University of San Diego (2018-2019)

Kincaid began his college football career at the University of San Diego (USD), where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. As a freshman in 2018, he recorded 374 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 24 receptions. The following season, Kincaid continued to impress, hauling in 44 receptions for 835 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance led all FCS tight ends in yards per catch. As a result, he was named an AP FCS All-American and earned Second-Team All-Pioneer Football League honors.

Key Statistics at USD:* 2018: 24 receptions, 374 yards, 11 touchdowns

2019: 44 receptions, 835 yards, 8 touchdowns

University of Utah (2020-2022)

In 2020, Kincaid transferred to the University of Utah, seeking to further his football career in a more competitive environment. His first season with the Utes was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting him to five games. However, Kincaid made a significant impact in 2021, seeing action in all 14 games.

In 2022, Kincaid truly shined, leading the team with 70 receptions and 890 receiving yards, while also adding eight touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him First-Team Pac-12 All-Conference honors and recognition as a John Mackey Award Semifinalist. He also led all FBS tight ends in receiving yards.

Key Statistics at Utah:* 2020: Limited games due to COVID-19

2021: Impactful contribution to the team
2022: 70 receptions, 890 yards, 8 touchdowns, First-Team Pac-12 All-Conference

Before declaring for the NFL Draft, Kincaid played through an upper-body injury during the Pac-12 Championship Game victory over USC, securing four of six targets for 40 yards. However, he focused on his rehab process rather than playing for Utah in the Rose Bowl.

NFL Career

Buffalo Bills (2023-Present)

Recognized as one of the premier tight end prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, Dalton Kincaid was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 25th overall pick after the Bills traded up with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire him.

During his rookie season, Kincaid's usage was initially limited as he played behind veteran tight end Dawson Knox. However, when Knox suffered a wrist injury, Kincaid seized the opportunity and delivered a string of impressive performances.

In Week 8, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kincaid recorded his first career touchdown reception, a 22-yard pass from Josh Allen. He would catch touchdown passes in weeks 3 and 4, the first time in his career scoring in back-to-back weeks. After having his first 100-yard game of the season in a week 5 loss to New England, Kincaid caught six passes for 101 yards and one touchdown in week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He became the second tight end in Bills' history (Paul Costa) to record multiple 100-yard performances in a single season.

Kincaid finished the 2025 season with 39 receptions for 571 yards and a career-high 5 touchdowns in 12 games.

Key Moments and Achievements:

2023 NFL Draft: Selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round (25th overall).
Rookie Season: Stepped up significantly after Dawson Knox's injury.
Week 8 (2023): First career touchdown reception.
Recorded multiple 100-yard receiving games in a single season.
2026 Pro Bowl: Named to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games.

2025 Season Highlights

Week 1: Targeted four times, catching all four passes for 48 yards and the Buffalo Bills' first touchdown of the 2025 season during their 15-point comeback against the Baltimore Ravens.
Week 8: Kincaid recorded his first touchdown this season in the 31-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Week 10: Kincaid suffered a knee injury in the 30-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Statistics

Receiving
Season	Team	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
2018	USD	24	374	15.6	11
2019	USD	44	835	19.0	8
2020	UTAH	11	141	14.0	1
2021	UTAH	36	510	14.2	8
2022	UTAH	70	890	12.7	8
Career		185	2,750	14.9	36
Rushing
Season	Team	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
2021	UTAH	1	4	4.0	0
Career		1	4	4.0	0
Returning
Season	Team	Punts ATT	YDS	TD	FC
2018	USD	0	0	0	0
Career		0	0	0	0
Season	Team	Kickoffs ATT	YDS	TD	LNG
2018	USD	2	0	0	0
Career		2	0	0	0
Defense
Season	Team	TOT	SOLO	AST	PD
2020	UTAH	1	1	0	0
2021	UTAH	1	1	0	0
2022	UTAH	1	1	0	0
Career		3	3	0	0
Scoring
Season	Team	PASS	RUSH	REC	RET
2018	USD	0	0	11	0
2019	USD	0	0	8	0
2021	UTAH	0	0	8	0
2022	UTAH	0	0	8	0
Career		0	0	35	0

Playing Style and Strengths

Dalton Kincaid's background as a wide receiver gives him a unique skill set as a tight end. He is known for his exceptional receiving abilities, route-running skills, and soft hands. His ability to create separation from defenders and make contested catches makes him a reliable target in the passing game.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite his success, Kincaid has faced challenges throughout his career. He played through an upper-body injury and also dealt with a knee injury. However, his determination and work ethic have allowed him to overcome these obstacles and continue to excel on the field.

Read also: The Rise of Dalton Schultz

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