KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island enters the 2026 season with a new look at tight end, as a combination of returning talent and experienced transfers looks to replace significant production from a season ago.
The Rams lost their top two tight ends following the 2025 campaign. Starter Connor Finer spent one season with Rhode Island after a four-year career at Kennesaw State, while Kevin Schaeffer transferred to Florida International during the offseason. Their departures created opportunities for several players throughout training camp.
Will Dixon (Hillsborough, N.J.) spent much of camp working with the first unit at tight end. The second-year Ram and West Virginia transfer saw limited action in 2025, appearing in 10 games with most of his work coming on special teams. Dixon made the most of one of his offensive opportunities, hauling in his first career touchdown reception in Rhode Island's Oct. 18 win at UAlbany.
With a clear need to bolster the position, Rhode Island added experience through the transfer portal in Jackson State transfer Marvin Landy (Lakeland, Fla.) and Wake Forest transfer Dominic DeLuca (Greenwich, Conn.). Both have carved out significant roles for the Rams throughout training camp.
Landy began his collegiate career at Tarleton State in 2021 before spending two seasons apiece at Florida Atlantic and Jackson State. His most productive season came in 2024, when he hauled in three touchdown receptions for Jackson State. DeLuca brings two seasons of ACC experience to Kingston after appearing in 13 games for Wake Forest over the last two years. At 6-foot-6, DeLuca provides another sizable target for the Rhode Island offense.
Behind Dixon, Landy and DeLuca, the Rams have several younger options developing at the position. Evan Spencer (Cumberland, R.I.) transitioned from running back to tight end during the offseason, while Liam Hubacz (Brookfield, Mass.) returns for his second season with the Rams. True freshmen Ben McClelland (Barrington, R.I.) and Dylan McDonough (Tampa, Fla.) round out the group.
Despite losing its top two options from a season ago, Rhode Island enters 2026 with a retooled tight end room. With Dixon emerging and Landy and DeLuca adding veteran options, the Rams have multiple pieces capable of contributing at the position this fall.
Inside the Position Room is a training camp series highlighting each Rhode Island Football position group leading up to the 2026 season. Follow along at GoRhody.com as the Rams continue preparations for the upcoming season.
