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Frank Coyle\/ Head scout<\/strong><\/p>\n The John Mackey Award announced its 2026 Preseason Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate tight ends entering the 2026 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 He set the standard for the position which depicts the importance and impact for the modern tight end performer.<\/p>\n Player School<\/strong> The John Mackey Award is a proud member of the NCFAA which encompasses 25 of
\nseason. 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.<\/p>\n
\nBenjamin Brahmer Penn State
\nBrett Norfleet Missouri
\nBrody Foley Louisville
\nBruin Fleischmann Montana State
\nCade Keith New Mexico
\nCarter Moses Kansas
\nChris Corbo Georgia Tech
\nDecker DeGraaf Washington
\nDJ Vonnahme Iowa
\nDorian Flemming Maryland
\nDorian Thomas Cal
\nDylan Wade UCF
\nEli Finley Louisiana Tech
\nElija Lofton Miami (FL)
\nEthan Davis Tennessee
\nGabe Burkle Penn State
\nGarrett Oakley Kansas St
\nHouston Thomas Texas A&M
\nPlayer School
\nHunter Welcing Ohio State
\nJaden Platt Arkansas
\nJamari Johnson Oregon
\nJelani Thurman UNC
\nJeremiah Hasley Duke
\nJeron Askren Missouri State
\nJJ Buchanan Michigan
\nJoshua Long Eastern Michigan
\nJuice Vereen Colorado State
\nLawson Luckie Georgia
\nLuke Hasz Ole Miss
\nLuke Lindermeyer Nebraska
\nLuke Reynolds Virginia Tech
\nMatt Wagner Boise State
\nMichael Masunas Texas
\nPatrick Overmyer Houston
\nPeter Clarke Temple
\nRandy Pittman Jr SMU
\nPlayer School
\nRichie Anderson Texas A&M
\nTerik Mulder Kent State
\nTerrance Carter Jr. Texas Tech
\nToby Payne Marshall
\nTrey’Dez Green LSU
\nWalker Lyons BYU
\nWillie Rodriguez Kentucky<\/p>\n
\nthe most prestigious awards in college football, dating back to 1935, honoring more
\nthan 950 recipients. Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists
\nover a 15-day period. Visit NCFAA.org to learn more.
\nNCFAA 2025 Preseason Watchlist Calenda<\/p>\n
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