Best Tight Ends in College Football (John Mackey Award Watch List)

The following post explores the best tight ends in college football (John Mackey Award Watch List).

Some college football teams have an NFL-level TE capable of separating from the defense and making big plays. These are the TEs you need to know about when betting on college football.

Read: Best Kickers in College Football

Related: Best Quarterbacks in College Football

In college football, TE is one of the most underappreciated players on the field. Identifying the best TEs goes a long way towards picking well and turning a profit as a sports bettor.

So who are the best TEs in the country? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

The John Mackey Award Watch List features the top tight ends in the nation heading into the new college football season.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the John Mackey Award Committee assesses the performance of tight ends on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee reduces the list to 10 semifinalists. From this group, the top three finalists are selected.

The winner is then chosen from these three finalists by a panel of college football coaches, media members, and former John Mackey Award winners.

John Mackey Award Watch List (2024)

In alphabetical order by first name, here is the 2024 John Mackey Award Watch List:

• Alex Bauman – Tulane

• Anthony Landphere – Memphis

• Anthony Torres – Toledo

• Arlis Boardingham – Florida

• Benjamin Brahmer – Iowa State

• Benjamin Yurosek – Georgia

• Brant Kuithe – Utah

• Brett Norfleet – Missouri

• Bryson Nesbit – North Carolina

• Caden Prieskorn – Ole Miss

• CJ Dippre – Alabama

• Cole Rusk – Illinois

• Colston Loveland – Michigan

• Drake Drabney – Baylor

• Daequan Wright – Ole Miss

• Donovan Green – Texas A&M

• Eli Wilson – App State

• Gavin Bartholomew – Pittsburgh

• Harold Fannin – Bowling Green

• Jack Endries – California

• Jack Veiling – Michigan State

• Jake Briningstool – Clemson

• Jalin Conyers – Texas Tech

• John Copenhaver – North Carolina

• John Michael Gyllenborg – Wyoming

• Justin Joly – NC State

• Kyle Morlock – Florida State

• Luke Hasz – Arkansas

• Luke Lachey – Iowa

• Mark Redman – Louisville

• Markeston Douglas – Arizona State

• Mason Taylor – LSU

• Mitchell Evans – Notre Dame

• Moliki Matavao – UCLA

• Nick Gallo – Virginia Tech

• Oscar Cardenas – UTSA

• Oscar Delp – Georgia

• RJ Maryland – SMU

• Rivaldo Fairweather – Auburn

• Sam Roush – Stanford

• Sean Brown – Jacksonville State

• Thomas Fidone – Nebraska

• Thomas Gordon – Northwestern

• Terrance Ferguson – Oregon

• Tyler Warren – Penn State

• Zach Horton – Indiana

John Mackey Award Winners (2000 – Present)

Here are the winners from years past – notice lots of NFL names on this list.

• 2023: Brock Bowers – Georgia

• 2022: Brock Bowers – Georgia

• 2021: Trey McBride – Colorado State

• 2020: Kyle Pitts – Florida

• 2019: Harrison Bryant – Florida Atlantic

• 2018: T. J. Hockenson – Iowa

• 2017: Mark Andrews – Oklahoma

• 2016: Jake Butt – Michigan

• 2015: Hunter Henry – Arkansas

• 2014: Nick O’Leary – Florida State

• 2013: Austin Seferian-Jenkins – Washington

• 2012: Tyler Eifert – Notre Dame

• 2011: Dwayne Allen – Clemson

• 2010: D. J. Williams – Arkansas

• 2009: Aaron Hernandez – Florida

• 2008: Chase Coffman – Missouri

• 2007: Fred Davis – USC

• 2006: Matt Spaeth – Minnesota

• 2005: Marcedes Lewis – UCLA

• 2004: Heath Miller – Virginia

• 2003: Kellen Winslow II – Miami (FL)

• 2002: Dallas Clark – Iowa

• 2001: Daniel Graham – Colorado

• 2000: Tim Stratton – Purdue

In Conclusion

In conclusion, being aware of the top tight ends is advantageous when betting on college football. Keeping these TEs (and their teams) in mind will help you stay on the winning side.