John Michael Gyllenborg Named to John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
Second-straight season on the list for UW Tight End
LARAMIE, Wyo. (August 8, 2025) – Wyoming tight end John Michael Gyllenborg was named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List on Friday. Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, it marks the second-straight season that Gyllenborg has been named to the preseason list.
Gyllenborg was named Preseason All-MW by both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He was also named to the College Football Freaks List by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.
Last season, Gyllenborg appeared in nine games and made six starts for the Cowboys after battling an injury early in the season. He earned Second Team All-MW accolades at tight end and led the Cowboys in receiving yards per game with 47.2. He tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions and ranked second on the Cowboys with 30 receptions in nine games. He ranked second on the team in yards with 425.
Gyllenborg had a career-high 137 yards against San Jose State. It was the most by a Cowboy tight end since Jacob Hollister had 144 yards against Boise State in 2016. He also recorded seven games with three or more catches. He was the highest graded tight end in the MW according to Pro Football Focus.
The award is presented annually to the best tight end in college football, honoring the legacy of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End, John Mackey. 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. The John Mackey Award Selection Committee is comprised of sportswriters, college football analyst, and former John Mackey Award winners. The 11 Committee Members are Jerry Mackey (Chairman), Charles Arbuckle, Dallas Clark, Lee Corso, Tom Dienhart, Tim Stratton, Daniel Graham, Marc Connolly, Phil Steele, Dick Weiss, Jake Butts.
The John Mackey Award is a proud member of the NCFAA which encompasses 25 of the most prestigious awards in college football, dating back to 1935, honoring more than 950 recipients. Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists over a 15-day period. Visit NCFAA.org to learn more.