Terik Mulder, a tight end who completed his college career at Kent State, has been named to the 2026 preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, the honor that spotlights the nation’s most outstanding player at his position.
The Mackey Award, presented each year to the top tight end in the Football Bowl Subdivision, typically announces its midseason watch list, finalists and eventual winner later in the calendar year.
MAC’s emerging talent
Mulder shares the distinction with Eastern Michigan’s Joshua Long, making them the only two athletes from the Mid‑American Conference to appear on this year’s preseason list.
During the previous season, Mulder recorded 19 receptions for 198 yards and found the end zone four times, each coming in a separate game.
Coaches and analysts alike view the inclusion as a testament to the growing competitiveness of the Mid‑American Conference, a league that has historically been underrepresented in national tight‑end discussions.
The award’s selection committee will continue to monitor performances through the season, with the midseason watch list slated for release in the coming months.