John Mackey Award Announces Preseason Watchlist

John Mackey Award Announces 2026 Preseason Watchlist

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The John Mackey Award announced its 2026 Preseason Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate tight ends entering the 2026 college football
season. The watchlist represents programs from every level of major college football and highlights players who have demonstrated talent, leadership and potential heading into the upcoming season. The John Mackey Award Selection Committee will continue to evaluate candidates throughout the season, with additional players eligible to be added based on their on-field performance. The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame annually presents the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award to the best defensive back in college football.

Frank Coyle has been a long time voter in NCAA awards including the Heisman, Bronko Nagurski, Lombardi, Dick Butkus, Jim Thorpe awards etcs for over 30 years.  

Presented annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football, the John Mackey Award honors the legacy of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, whose excellence, leadership, character, and impact on the game continue to inspire generations of student-athletes. Established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the award remains one of college football’s premier individual honors for the tight end position.

John Mackey was a unicorn for the position in the 1960s before tight ends were highlighted as receivers. He was the complete player for the position and excelled as both a collegian and NFL player. He was inducted into the HOF after a brilliant career with the Baltimore Colts.  He set the standard for the position which depicts the importance and impact for the modern tight end performer.

Player School
Benjamin Brahmer Penn State
Brett Norfleet Missouri
Brody Foley Louisville
Bruin Fleischmann Montana State
Cade Keith New Mexico
Carter Moses Kansas
Chris Corbo Georgia Tech
Decker DeGraaf Washington
DJ Vonnahme Iowa
Dorian Flemming Maryland
Dorian Thomas Cal
Dylan Wade UCF
Eli Finley Louisiana Tech
Elija Lofton Miami (FL)
Ethan Davis Tennessee
Gabe Burkle Penn State
Garrett Oakley Kansas St
Houston Thomas Texas A&M
Player School
Hunter Welcing Ohio State
Jaden Platt Arkansas
Jamari Johnson Oregon
Jelani Thurman UNC
Jeremiah Hasley Duke
Jeron Askren Missouri State
JJ Buchanan Michigan
Joshua Long Eastern Michigan
Juice Vereen Colorado State
Lawson Luckie Georgia
Luke Hasz Ole Miss
Luke Lindermeyer Nebraska
Luke Reynolds Virginia Tech
Matt Wagner Boise State
Michael Masunas Texas
Patrick Overmyer Houston
Peter Clarke Temple
Randy Pittman Jr SMU
Player School
Richie Anderson Texas A&M
Terik Mulder Kent State
Terrance Carter Jr. Texas Tech
Toby Payne Marshall
Trey’Dez Green LSU
Walker Lyons BYU
Willie Rodriguez Kentucky

The John Mackey Award is a proud member of the NCFAA which encompasses 25 of
the most prestigious awards in college football, dating back to 1935, honoring more
than 950 recipients. Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists
over a 15-day period. Visit NCFAA.org to learn more.
NCFAA 2025 Preseason Watchlist Calenda