Courtesy of LA Tech Athletic Communications
Louisiana Tech tight end Eli Finley was named to the 2025 John Mackey Award preseason watch list as the organization released its 46-player list Friday.
The John Mackey award is presented annually to the best tight end in college football, honoring the legacy of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey.
Finley, a Texas native, enters his third season with the Bulldogs and is the team’s top returning pass catcher after recording 25 receptions for 314 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. He was one of four offensive players to start in all 13 games.
The junior caught at least one pass in 11 games and recorded multiple receptions in eight games. He had five receptions of 20+ yards, including a 53-yard catch against Tulsa.
Eli Finley on being named to the John Mackey Award Watch List …
“That’s cool, that’s awesome, but at the end of the day I have to go out there and I have a job to do,” said Finley. “My main goal is to go out and win games for our team and lead our team. If those accolades come with that, then I’m all excited about that, but my first goal is to go out there and win games.”
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 7pm on ESPN.
