CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Eight Atlantic Coast Conference tight ends were named to the 2026 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, the Friends of John Mackey announced on Wednesday.
California's Dorian Thomas, Duke's Jeremiah Hasley, Georgia Tech's Chris Corbo, Louisville's Brody Foley, Miami's Elijah Lofton, North Carolina's Jelani Thurman, SMU's Randy Pittman Jr. and Virginia Tech's Luke Reynolds each earned recognition.
The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in college football. Named in honor of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, the award has recognized the nation's top tight end since 2000.
2026 John Mackey Award Watch List – ACC Selections
- Dorian Thomas, TE, California
- Jeremiah Hasley, TE, Duke
- Chris Corbo, TE, Georgia Tech
- Brody Foley, TE, Louisville
- Elijah Lofton, TE, Miami
- Jelani Thurman, TE, North Carolina
- Randy Pittman Jr., TE, SMU
- Luke Reynolds, TE, Virginia Tech
Semifinalists for the award will be announced later this season, followed by the three finalists. The recipient of the 2026 John Mackey Award will be honored during
The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.