Askren Named to John Mackey Award Watchlist
August 05, 2026 | Football
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Missouri State tight end Jeron Askren (Wichita, Kan.) has been named to the 2026 John Mackey Award Preseason Watchlist, the organization announced Wednesday (Aug. 5).Â
Inaugurated in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the John Mackey Award distinguishes the nation's most outstanding collegiate tight end who exemplifies gridiron mastery and character.Â
Askren enters his third season at Missouri State after earning 11 starts at tight end a year ago, including the last nine games of the campaign. He earned All-Conference USA honorable mention laurels in 2025 after snagging 19 passes for 224 yards to go with an MSU freshman record five touchdown catches. He caught the game-winning touchdown at Marshall (9/6/25) with 2:12 remaining to help the Bears earn their first-ever FBS victory which earned him CUSA Freshman of the Week honors. He also had five receptions for 35 yards and a 9-yard TD catch in the win at New Mexico State (10/22/25) and a pair of touchdowns in the home win over UTEP (11/15/25).
He adds the Mackey Award Watchlist honor to his other preseason accolades: Conference USA Preseason Watch List; Athlon Preseason All-CUSA (1st Team) and Phil Steele Preseason All-CUSA (2nd Team).Â
He is one of 43 players on this year's preseason list, representing every level of major college football, including Askren as the lone rep from Conference USA.Â
The John Mackey Award honors the legacy of the Pro Football Hall of Famer John whose excellence, leadership, character and impact on the game continue to inspire generations of student-athletes.Â
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Inaugurated in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the John Mackey Award distinguishes the nation's most outstanding collegiate tight end who exemplifies gridiron mastery and character.Â
Askren enters his third season at Missouri State after earning 11 starts at tight end a year ago, including the last nine games of the campaign. He earned All-Conference USA honorable mention laurels in 2025 after snagging 19 passes for 224 yards to go with an MSU freshman record five touchdown catches. He caught the game-winning touchdown at Marshall (9/6/25) with 2:12 remaining to help the Bears earn their first-ever FBS victory which earned him CUSA Freshman of the Week honors. He also had five receptions for 35 yards and a 9-yard TD catch in the win at New Mexico State (10/22/25) and a pair of touchdowns in the home win over UTEP (11/15/25).
He adds the Mackey Award Watchlist honor to his other preseason accolades: Conference USA Preseason Watch List; Athlon Preseason All-CUSA (1st Team) and Phil Steele Preseason All-CUSA (2nd Team).Â
He is one of 43 players on this year's preseason list, representing every level of major college football, including Askren as the lone rep from Conference USA.Â
The John Mackey Award honors the legacy of the Pro Football Hall of Famer John whose excellence, leadership, character and impact on the game continue to inspire generations of student-athletes.Â
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