Austin Hooper vs Elijah Higgins
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Clear edge · 68% confident
Elijah Higgins- Higher projection: 42 vs 33 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 422 vs 423
- More durable: 17 games vs 16 last season
Austin Hooper and Elijah Higgins are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Elijah Higgins holds the edge in expert consensus (TE59 to TE60). The 2026 projections are nearly even: Elijah Higgins at 42 PPR points (2.5 per game) versus Austin Hooper at 33.
Last season Elijah Higgins carried the heavier workload (41% snap share, 37 touches to Austin Hooper's 26), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Elijah Higgins is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Elijah Higgins is the solid pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Hooper | Higgins |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 33 | 42 |
| Points / game | 3.7 | 3.4 |
| Games played | 16 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #423 | #422 |
| Positional rank | TE44 | TE45 |
| Snap share | 50% | 41% |
| Red-zone touches | 5 | 4 |
| Age | 31 | 25 |
| Bye week | 11 | 14 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Austin Hooper or Elijah Higgins.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Austin Hooper or Elijah Higgins in 2026?
Elijah Higgins is a solid pick over Austin Hooper for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload.
Who is projected to score more, Austin Hooper or Elijah Higgins?
Elijah Higgins carries the higher 2026 projection at 42 PPR points (2.5 per game), compared with 33 for Austin Hooper.
Who is ranked higher, Austin Hooper or Elijah Higgins?
Expert consensus ranks Elijah Higgins (TE59) ahead of Austin Hooper (TE60) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.