CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference continues to showcase elite talent at the tight end position, as nine of its standout athletes have been named to the 2025 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, announced Friday.
 
Presented annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football, the John Mackey Award honors the legacy of NFL Hall of Famer John Mackey. Since its inception in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the award has recognized excellence in athletic performance, leadership, and impact on the game.
 
Seven schools are represented among the nine ACC tight ends named to the preseason watch list, with Florida State and SMU each placing two players on the list. Boston College, Miami, NC State, Stanford, and Virginia Tech each had one selection.
 
This year’s recipient will be revealed during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show, airing live on ESPN on Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m. ET.
 
ACC Players Named to the 2025 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
Name, School, Class
Jeremiah Franklin, Boston College, Senior
Randy Pittman Jr., Florida State, Junior
Landen Thomas, Florida State, Sophomore
Elija Lofton, Miami, Sophomore
Justin Joly, NC State, Senior
Matthew Hibner, SMU, Graduate Student
RJ Maryland, SMU, Senior
Sam Roush, Stanford, Senior
Benji Gosnell, Virginia Tech, Redshirt-Junior
 
The John Mackey Award Selection Committee is comprised of sportswriters, college football analysts and former John Mackey Award winners. The 11 Committee Members are Jerry Mackey (Chairman), Charles Arbuckle, Dallas Clark, Lee Corso, Tom Dienhart, Tim Stratton, Daniel Graham, Marc Connolly, Phil Steele, Dick Weiss, Jake Butts.
 
The John Mackey Award is a proud member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information.