For a second straight season, Jack Velling has earned some legit preseason recognition.
A year ago, he was coming off a career season with Oregon State before following Jonathan Smith to East Lansing, but he just didn't have the season he had expected. He did catch a career-high 36 passes for 411 yards, but his touchdown number dipped from eight in 2023 to just one in 2024.
That dip in touchdown production didn't hurt his reputation, however. He's still considered one of the best tight ends in the country, and the John Mackey Award agrees.
On Friday, Velling was named to the Mackey Award watch list for a second straight year.
one of the best in the game 🙌 pic.twitter.com/25vC0YZ7uw
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 8, 2025
Entering his second year with his new program and with his rapport with Aidan Chiles improving, his selection to the Mackey Award watch list was a no-brainer.
Velling started the 2024 season slowly, but gained traction starting with the Oregon game as he taxed the familiar opponent for 53 yards on six receptions. He also had four catches for 40 yards against Michigan and five catches for 77 yards and his lone 2024 touchdown against Rutgers to close the year. He got better, but the inconsistent connection with Chiles was frustrating.
Entering the 2025 campaign, it feels like he's now in a much better position with the receiving corps improving drastically, taking some pressure off him as a pass-catcher. He's no longer one of just two legit offensive weapons in the passing game. He has help.
Velling may have broken a career-high in receptions last season, but I think he breaks that number again and also puts up a high in yards, and finishes with five-plus touchdowns.
Michigan State fans are hoping Velling can become the school's first-ever Mackey Award winner.