University of North Carolina Athletics
November 11, 2026 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In the midst of one of the best seasons by a tight end in program history, North Carolina's Jelani Thurman has been named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, which recognizes the nation's top collegiate tight end.
Thurman is UNC's first Mackey Award semifinalist since Bryson Nesbit in 2023. He is one of nine semifinalists nationally and one of two representatives from the ACC.
The Fairburn, Ga., native has put together a record-setting season, recording eight receiving touchdowns to tie UNC's single-season record for touchdowns by a tight end. The mark, originally set by Mike Chatham in 1979, is the most among tight ends nationally and tied for the second most among all ACC players.
Thurman's 45 receptions and 525 receiving yards both rank third among Power Four tight ends. He has also totaled 285 yards after the catch, the second most among Power Four tight ends and the most on the Tar Heel team.
Of his 45 receptions, 28 have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down. Thurman has recorded at least three catches in every game this season, highlighted by career-high performances of seven receptions against Syracuse and at UConn.
He has also been a consistent big-play threat with 25 receptions of at least 10 yards, including nine of 20 or more yards.
The Selection Committee will narrow the field to three finalists on Nov. 24. The 2026 John Mackey Award winner will be announced during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 11.
Thurman is UNC's first Mackey Award semifinalist since Bryson Nesbit in 2023. He is one of nine semifinalists nationally and one of two representatives from the ACC.
The Fairburn, Ga., native has put together a record-setting season, recording eight receiving touchdowns to tie UNC's single-season record for touchdowns by a tight end. The mark, originally set by Mike Chatham in 1979, is the most among tight ends nationally and tied for the second most among all ACC players.
Thurman's 45 receptions and 525 receiving yards both rank third among Power Four tight ends. He has also totaled 285 yards after the catch, the second most among Power Four tight ends and the most on the Tar Heel team.
Of his 45 receptions, 28 have resulted in either a touchdown or a first down. Thurman has recorded at least three catches in every game this season, highlighted by career-high performances of seven receptions against Syracuse and at UConn.
He has also been a consistent big-play threat with 25 receptions of at least 10 yards, including nine of 20 or more yards.
The Selection Committee will narrow the field to three finalists on Nov. 24. The 2026 John Mackey Award winner will be announced during ESPN's Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 11.
Players Mentioned
Tight End
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