UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State senior tight end Benjamin Brahmer and redshirt senior tight end Gabe Burkle were tabbed to the John Mackey Award watch list on Wednesday.
The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the top tight end in college football. Penn State’s Tyler Warren won the Mackey Award in 2024. The watch list highlights players who have demonstrated talent, leadership and potential heading into the 2026 season.
Benjamin Brahmer · Sr. · TE · 6-7 · 250 · Pierce, Neb. · Pierce · Iowa State
- Voted second-team All-Big 12 in 2025.
- Tabbed a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award in 2025.
- Selected honorable-mention All-Big 12 in 2023 and 2024.
- Earned Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic and True Freshman All-America honors from 247Sports.
- Played in 33 games and started 14 at Iowa State.
- Owns 75 receptions for 977 yards and nine touchdowns in his career.
- Ranked sixth at Iowa State in career receptions by a tight end (75) and fifth in receiving yards by a tight end (977).
- In 2025, caught 37 passes for 446 yards and six touchdowns.
- Tied-sixth among FBS tight ends with six touchdown receptions and tied-fifth in 15+ yard receptions (15).
Gabe Burkle · R-Sr. · TE · 6-6 · 247 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa · Pierce · Iowa State
- Named to the John Mackey Award Watch List in 2025.
- Earned Academic All-Big 12 honors in 2023 and 2024.
- Tabbed CSC Academic All-District in 2024.
- Has caught 54 passes for 607 yards and two touchdowns in his collegiate career.
- Has a catch in 16-consecutive games.
- In 2025, hauled in 26 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown.
- Posted 26 receptions for 296 yards and a score in 2024.
The John Mackey Award is named after NFL Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey, who played 10 years in the NFL and was selected for the Pro Bowl five times. Mackey was a three-time All-NFL honoree and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team and the league’s 50th Anniversary team. He played in two NFL Championship Games and two Super Bowls, leading the Baltimore Colts to a win in Super Bowl V.
The winner will be announced live during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards on December 10, 2026.
Nittany Lions On Award Watch Lists
Rocco Becht - Maxwell
Benjamin Brahmer - Mackey
Gabe Burkle - Mackey
Tony Rojas - Lott IMPACT Trophy
Blaise Sokach-Minnick - Mannelly
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and ticket information for the 2026 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.GoPSUsports.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.