Tanner Arkin

Early life

Arkin was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but his family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado when he was a child. He began playing football at a young age and, as a freshman in high school, was named captain of his team. During his sophomore year, he began playing on varsity, primarily as an outside linebacker instead of his preferred position, tight end. Before his junior season, he sustained a broken collarbone which sidelined him for the season. Finally, during his senior season, Arkin sustained a broken fibula during his second game, but continued to play for the remainder of the season. He was considered a two-star prospect coming out of high school and, on May 12, 2020, Arkin committed to play college football for the Colorado State Rams.

Colorado State

In his first season at Colorado State University, Arkin backed-up Trey McBride. He appeared in three games and took a redshirt for the season. The following season, he was named to the Preseason All-Mountain West list and appeared in every game for the Rams.

Illinois

On December 14, 2022, Arkin transferred to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In his first season with the Fighting Illini, he appeared in every game with three starts. Prior to his redshirt junior season, he was named a team captain. On August 8, 2025, Arkin was named to the John Mackey Award Watch List as one of the top tight ends in the nation.

Personal life

Arkin is the son of Grady and Veronica Arkin. He has one brother, Owen, and a sister, Carmen. Arkin graduated from the University of Illinois in May 2025 with a degree in Kinesiology.