BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has been named one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding tight end. Fannin is the first Falcon to ever be named a finalist for the Mackey Award.
 
The John Mackey Award, established in 2000, is named after NFL Hall of Famer John Mackey, who helped redefine the tight end position as a pass-catching threat on the gridiron. Mackey was a role model both on and off the field, exemplified by his Super Bowl Championship, dedication to his community, and historic role as the first President of the NFL Players Association. The award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA).

Fannin (Jr., Canton, Ohio) leads the nation with 1,295 receiving yards. He leads the nation's tight ends in 21+ offensive categories, including receptions (92), yards after catch (719), first downs (62), broken tackles (29), and receiving touchdowns (9). According to Pro Football Focus, Fannin has the nation's highest overall grade (97.0) and ranks No. 1 in pass routes grade (97.2) among all receivers. Nationally, he is additionally ranked No. 2 in receptions, T-No. 1 in broken tackles, No. 2 in first downs, and No. 1 in yards after catch.
 
Fannin ranks third all-time in FBS history for single-season receiving yards by a tight end. He needs just 58 yards to surpass the FBS record of 1,352 yards, set by Texas Tech's Jace Amaro in 2013. With 92 receptions this season, Fannin is third all-time in single-season catches by a tight end. He needs 20 more receptions to break the record held by Rice's James Casey, who totaled 111 in 2008.
 
Per Pro Football Focus, Fannin's run-blocking grade of 74.4 is tops among the nation's pass-catching tight ends, including fellow Mackey Award finalists Colston Loveland (Michigan, 54.3) and Tyler Warren (Penn State, 51.5).
 
 Additionally, Fannin leads all tight ends nationwide in receptions of 10+, 20+, 30+, 40+, 50+, and 60+ yards. His season first-down catch percentage of 67.4 percent is also the highest among the nation's tight ends.

Fannin's 137 receiving yards against Penn State remain the only instance this season in which the Nittany Lions have allowed a single player to record over 100 receiving yards in a game. His 145 receiving yards at Texas A&M are also the most any opponent has achieved against the Aggies.
 
Fannin was also the only tight end that was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award.

The 2024 John Mackey Award winner will be revealed on Dec. 12 during the Home Depot College Football Awards show.