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Tennessee TE Miles Kitselman Named To John Mackey Award Watchlist

Kitselman earns big honor ahead of the 2025 season
Najeh Wilkins|
Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) is stopped by Vanderbilt cornerback Kolbey Taylor (6) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman (87) is stopped by Vanderbilt cornerback Kolbey Taylor (6) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. | Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee TE receives big honor ahead of the 2025 season. Kitselman was named to the Preseason John Mackey Award watch list. The Mackey Award is presented to the best tight end in college football. Kitselman is one of 45 players who were selected for the watchlist.

Kitselman was one of the few Volunteer players who started every game last season for Tennessee. He recorded a catch in every game played for the Vols in 2024. In his first two starts against NC State and Kent State, Kitselman recorded a touchdown in each game.

Kitselman finished with 22 catches, 301 yards, and four touchdowns. He had one of his best games against Kentucky, finishing with six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. He also registered a rushing touchdown against rival Georgia on November 16th. Kitselman was ranked as the No. 3 returning tight end in the SEC in 2025 after he registered a 76.6 grade for 2024. Kitselfman also registered an impressive 71.4 run block grade.

With the youth that will be at the wide receiver group, Kitselman and the tight ends could be relied upon more of the Volunteers as the chemistry continues to build with the quarterback in the receiivers. He’s shown that he is capable of being a go-to target and a safety blanket when a quarterback gets in trouble, as evidenced by his season from a year ago.

Kitselman is a big leader for the Volunteers and will be a key part of their success in 2025 if they want to return back to the postseason. His excellent blocking and pass catching could prove dividends, helping keep Tennessee afloat early in the year.

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Najeh Wilkins
NAJEH WILKINS

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