COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M football’s Houston Thomas and Richie Anderson III have been named to the watch list for the 2026 John Mackey Award, the awards selection committee announced on Wednesday. The Mackey Award is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Thomas, a graduate student from College Station, is in his first season at Texas A&M after transferring from the University of Texas San Antonio. While at UTSA, Thomas was named to the All-American Conference Third Team and was a two-time member of the All-Academic Team. He appeared in 42 career games, registering 78 receptions for 918 yards with five touchdowns. In 17 games, he logged at least two receptions, with a career-high seven against South Florida in 2025.
Anderson III, a redshirt junior from Tualatin, Ore., is in his first season at Texas A&M after transferring from Fresno State. While playing for the Bulldogs, Anderson III appeared in 26 career games with 19 starts. He recorded 49 receptions for 447 yards with three scores. He logged at least two receptions in 13 games, including a career-high seven against Nevada in 2025.
As the season progresses, athletes will be evaluated and may be selected as Tight End of the Week by the committee for consideration at the end of the year. The list will be narrowed to a group of semifinalists and finalists before the winner is announced on Dec. 10, 2026, during the ESPN broadcast of The Home Depot College Football Awards.
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