The John Mackey Award, presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in the nation, is proud to announce the winner of the 2025 award. The announcement was made during the broadcast of the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
Eli Stowers of the Vanderbilt Commodores – He had a tremendous season bringing in 62 receptions for 769 yards and 4 touchdowns. Congratulations to the Denton, Texas native, he has earned the right to be mentioned with some of the greats! “Eli Stowers has exemplified the athleticism, leadership, and integrity that define the John Mackey Award,” said Jerry Mackey, Chairman of the John Mackey Award. “We are proud to honor his outstanding contributions to college football, and the tight end position this season.”
The John Mackey Award Selection Committee, comprised of former players, coaches, and media members, evaluates candidates based on their on-field performance, sportsmanship, and overall contribution to their teams.
Established in 2000, the John Mackey Award is named in honor of NFL Hall of Famer John Mackey, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in football history. The award recognizes the most outstanding collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play,
sportsmanship, and character of John Mackey.
For more information, visit www.johnmackeyaward.com or follow us on social media at @JohnMackeyAward
ELI STOWERS MACKEY REVEAL
Press Release

As the 2025 college football season heads toward its thrilling conclusion, the John Mackey Award is proud to announce its three finalists:

• Eli Stowers - Vanderbilt
• Michael Trigg - Baylor
• Kenyon Sadiq - Oregon 

These standout tight ends have exemplified elite skill, consistency, and impact throughout the year, earning their place among the nation's best. Congratulations to our finalists as they continue to shape the season and compete for college football's most prestigious honor at the position.

November 6th, 2025 - The John Mackey Award is proud to announce the eight semifinalists for the 2025 season: 
• #1 Michael Trigg – Baylor Bears 
• #9 Eli Stowers – #15 Vanderbilt Commodores 
• #9 Tanner Koziol – Houston Cougars  
• #7 Justin Joly – NC State Wolfpack 
• #8 Dae’Quan Wright – #7 Ole Miss Rebels 
• #18 Kenyon Sadiq - #6 Oregon Ducks 
• #88 Dallen Bentley - #17 Utah Utes 
• #18 Benjamin Brahmer – Iowa State Cyclones 
Press Release

November 4th, 2025 - Eli Stowers hauled in 7 receptions for 146 yards and scored 2 touchdowns in the 34-31 loss at Texas Longhorns to become TE of the Week. Honorable mentions are Sam Rousch (Standford Cardinal) and Michael Trigg (Baylor Bears).

​October 28th, 2025 - In Week 9, NC State tight end Justin Joly had a standout performance, recording 6 receptions for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns, a career high in receiving yards. His strong play earned him recognition on Pro Football Focus’s ACC Team of the Week. Honorable mentions are Cade Keith of the New Mexico Lobos and Tanner Koziol of the Houston Cougars.

October 21, 2025 - Kenyon Sadiq had 4 receptions for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Honorable mentions include Joe Royer of the Cincinnati Bearcats and Brody Foley from the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.

October 14, 2025 - In Week 7 vs. South Carolina, Trey’Dez Green hauled in 8 catches for 119 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. Honorable mentions are Izayah Cummings of App State Mountaineers and Eli Raridon of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

October 7th, 2025 - In Week 6 of the 2025 season, Bruin Fleischmann delivered a standout performance against Navy. He caught six passes for a career-high 166 yards and scored one touchdown. His longest reception of the game was a 68-yard catch, and he was targeted eight times overall. This game marked his best outing of the season, surpassing all of his previous yardage combined. Honorable mention: Michael Trigg of the Baylor Bears.

September 30th, 2025 - In Week 5 against Oregon State, Houston tight end Tanner Koziol hauled in 6 passes for 86 yards and scored a touchdown, highlighted by a 50-yard catch that tied the game late in regulation. Honorable mentions include Mason Williams of the Ohio Bobcats and Vanderbilt Commodores' Eli Stowers.

September 16th, 2025 - Terrance Carter Jr. had a standout performance, hauling in 6 receptions on 7 targets for 102 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 17 yards per catch, with his longest reception going for 24 yards, showcasing both consistency and big-play ability throughout the game. Honorable mentions are Stanford Cardinal's Sam Roush & App State Mountaineers' Izayah Cummings. 

September 9th, 2025 - Brett Norfleet delivered his best performance yet with 7 catches, 76 yards, and 2 TDs. That brings his season totals through two games to 10 receptions, 85 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Honorable mentions include Deshawn Hanika of Kansas Jayhawks and Jeremiah Franklin of Boston College Eagles.

September 4th 2025 - Michael Trigg showcased his talents in Week 1 against Auburn. He had 7 receptions (on 16 targets) for 99 yards and 1 touchdown; both career highs for Trigg. Honorable mentions include Eli Raridon of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Dorian Thomas of New Mexico Lobos.

August 8th 2025 New York, NY - The John Mackey Award is pleased to announce, the preseason watchlist for the 2025 college football season. This award is presented annually to the best tight end in college football, honoring the legacy of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End, John Mackey.
The John Mackey Award was established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The recipient of the award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Friday, December 12th on ESPN. Preseason Watchlist

April 12, 2025 - The Mackey Award Foundation hosted a special brunch celebrating the 25th anniversary of the John Mackey Award. Highlights included speeches from 2024 award winner Tyler Warren, honorary recipient Keith Jackson, the first Mackey Award winner, Tim Stratton, Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. and John Mackey's widow, Sylvia Mackey.

New York, N.Y. - Tyler Warren of Penn State is the 2024 John Mackey Award recipient. During the season, Warren set school single season records with 67 receptions for 808 yards and became the first player from Penn State to win the John Mackey Award.