NIL
Joly Named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
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.
Joly was also placed on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List, recognizing college football’s best receiver at any position.
The 2025 All-ACC Preseason tight end ranked second on the team in receptions with 43, and his 661 yards led the team last season. The tight end from Brewster, N.Y., finished the 2024 season with the fifth-highest reception total in school history for a tight end in a single season, while his yardage ranked fourth all-time for players at his position.
Averaging 15.4 yards per catch last season, it was the fourth-best mark in the FBS by a tight end.
In 2010, George Bryan was named a semifinalist for the award. Joly joins names such as T.J. Williams, Anthony Hill, Asa Watson, Cole Cook, David Grinnage, Trent Pennix, Jaylen Samuels, and Cary Angeline who have also been recognized for the award.
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, Friday, Dec. 12th at 7 pm on ESPN.
Wolfpack Preseason Accolades:
Maxwell Award: CJ Bailey
Paul Hornung: Hollywood Smothers
AllState Wuerffel Trophy: Brandon Cleveland
Doak Walker: Hollywood Smothers
Bilenikoff Award: Justin Joly
John Mackey: Justin Joly