CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois tight end Tanner Arkin was named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 John Mackey Award, announced on Friday by the Mackey Award Foundation.

The award is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding tight end. Established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the award is given to the tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey.

The last three winners of the award are Penn State’s Tyler Warren in 2024, Georgia’s Brock Bowers in 2023, and Bowers again in 2022.

Arkin, who is entering his senior season, was voted a team captain last year, playing a crucial role as a leader on an Illini team that tied a program record with 10 wins, defeated #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, and finished #16 in the AP Top 25. He played in all 13 games last season, thrust into the starting role when top tight end Cole Rusk suffered an injury that sidelined him for the year.

Perhaps Arkin’s most iconic game from last year came during Illinois’ statement victory over #24 Michigan. Donned in Illinois’ throwback uniforms for the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game, Arkin hauled in a passing touchdown and rushed for 36 yards on a fake punt to help the Illini to a 21-7 win.

Arkin and the Fighting Illini will kick off their season at home in just over three weeks against the Western Illinois Leathernecks. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium will be at 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on Peacock.