BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been named to the 2024 John Mackey Award Watch list, as announced today (Aug. 9) by the Mackey Award Foundation. The award is given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end. Fannin is one of two tight ends from the MAC on the list. Toledo's Anthony Torres is also on the list.
 
The John Mackey Award, presented since 2000, is named for NFL Hall of Famer who helped create the tight end position into a pass-catching threat on the gridiron. Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to community and his place in history as the first President of the NFL Players Association.
 
Fannin (Jr., Canton, Ohio) was one of the nation's best receiving tight ends in 2023. Fannin, a first-team All-MAC honoree and third-team CFN All-American, finished 2023 No. 6 in the nation and No. 1 in the MAC both with 623 receiving yards and six touchdowns. His 406 yards after catch (YAC) ranked second in the nation for tight ends, behind only Georgia's Brock Bower who won the last two Mackey Awards. Fannin's 14.2 yards per catch ranked second in the nation among tight ends with at least 35 receptions in 2023. Fannin has also been named to a first-team All-American by CFN.
 
Eight semifinalists will be announced for the John Mackey Award on Oct. 29. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 26 and the winner will be announced on Dec. 12 on the Home Depot College Football Awards show.