UNIVERSITY PARK – Penn State redshirt senior tight end Khalil Dinkins was named to the Mackey Award watch list on Friday.

The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the top tight end in college football. Penn State’s Tyler Warren won the Mackey Award in 2024.

Khalil Dinkins · R-Sr. · TE · 6-4 · 251 · Wexford, Pa. · North Allegheny

Has appeared in 37 games and made six starts as a Nittany Lion.

Has tallied 23 receptions for 232 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2024, hauled in 14 receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Caught a 13-yard touchdown pass against Kent State (9/21).

Had a 1-yard touchdown reception at Wisconsin (10/26).

Recorded three catches for 36 yards, including a 23-yard reception at Purdue (11/6).

Made a 20-yard catch against Notre Dame (1/9).

Added two touchdown receptions in 2023.

The John Mackey Award is named after NFL Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey, who played 10 years in the NFL and was selected for the Pro Bowl five times. Mackey was a three-time All-NFL honoree and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team and the league’s 50th Anniversary team. He played in two NFL Championship Games and two Super Bowls, leading the Baltimore Colts to a win in Super Bowl V.

The John Mackey Award selection committee will reveal its eight semifinalists on Thursday, October 30 and its three finalists on Wednesday, November 26.

The winner will be announced live during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN on December 11, 2025.

Penn State Football Recognized On Preseason Watch Lists:

Drew Allar – Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award

Kaytron Allen – Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award

Cooper Cousins – Allstate Wuerffel Trophy

Khalil Dinkins – Mackey Award

Zane Durant – Nagurski Trophy, Outland Trophy

Tyler Duzansky – Mannelly Award

A.J. Harris – Lott IMPACT Trophy, Nagurski Trophy

Olaivavega Ioane – Outland Trophy

Trebor Peña – Biletnikoff Award, Paul Hornung Award

Devonte Ross – Biletnikoff Award

Nicholas Singleton – Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award

Penn State Football Recognized On Preseason All-America Teams:

Zane Durant – The Sporting News, Walter Camp

Olaivavega Ioane – The Sporting News, Walter Camp

Nicholas Singleton – The Sporting News, Walter Camp