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See the full story · 1 sourcesA pair of Penn State tight ends have landed on the John Mackey Award watch list.
Seniors Benjamin Brahmer and Gabe Burkle were among more than 40 players highlighted as potential winners for the year-end honor given to the top tight end in the country. The list was released Aug. 5.
Both players transferred to Penn State from Iowa State this offseason, opting to follow coach Matt Campbell from Ames. Campbell was hired to replace James Franklin as Nittany Lions coach on Dec. 8, 2025.
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Brahmer was a semifinalist for the award in 2025, when he caught 37 passes for 446 yards and six touchdowns. Burkle added 26 catches for 302 yards and a TD for the Cyclones.
Former Penn State tight end Luke Reynolds also appeared on the list after following Franklin to Virginia Tech. The junior caught 26 passes for 257 yards for a Nittany Lions team that dropped to 7-6 in 2025 despite a No. 3 preseason ranking.
Tyler Warren won the award as a senior for the Lions at the end of the 2024 season. He totaled 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns to lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals. And he caught 76 passes for 817 yards and four scores as a rookie with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
Penn State is ranked No. 17 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, released Aug. 4, and opens its season at home against Marshall on Sept. 5.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Penn State TEs Benjamin Brahmer, Gabe Burkle land on John Mackey Award watch list
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