GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The John Mackey Award named redshirt junior tight end Hayden Hansen to its 2025 preseason watch list Friday, Aug. 8.

The Mackey Award is named after John Mackey who played football at Syracuse University from 1960 to 1962. Mackey was the second pure tight end to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame following his NFL career with the Baltimore Colts and the San Diego Chargers from 1963 to 1972. Since the award’s inception in 2000, the Mackey Award is presented to college football’s best tight end because of Mackey’s legacy as one of the best tight ends in the sport of football.

Hansen started in the tight end position for the Gators in all 13 games for the 2024 season. Making 15 total catches for 207 yards, Hansen recorded one touchdown and did not allow a sack on 75 pass blocking snaps. He totaled 601 offensive snaps for the season and of his 15 receptions, 12 were good for either a first down or a touchdown.

The recipient of the Mackey Award is chosen by a selection committee comprised of sports writers, college football analysts and former Mackey Award winners. The winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 12, 2025 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

Click here for the complete 2025 Mackey Award preseason watch list.