Hibner and Maryland make Mackey Award watch list

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Hibner and Maryland make Mackey Award watch list

NEW YORK CITY (SMU) ΓÇô SMU tight ends RJ Maryland and Matthew Hibner have been selected for the 2025 John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, the organization announced on Friday.

This 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 selection committee is comprised of sportswriters, college football analysts and former John Mackey Award winners.

Named to last year's Mackey Award Preseason Watch List, Maryland was a force on the Mustang offense before suffering an injury. Appearing in seven games in 2024, the tight end had 24 receptions for 359 yards and totaled four receiving touchdowns. After his season-high performance of eight catches and 162 yards against Nevada on August 24, Maryland was named the ACC Receiver of the Week, becoming the first Mustang ever to secure the honor. The Texas native earned All-ACC accolades despite being injured for half the season.

Graduate student Matthew Hibner registered 24 receptions for 368 yards in 2024. The Michigan transfer posted four receiving touchdowns and two tackles for SMU. In the 2024 ACC Championship game against Clemson, the tight end recorded five catches for 69 yards and a touchdown.

Both tight ends played key roles in taking the Mustangs to their first appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The pair heavily contributed to SMU's scoring offense ranking eighth in the nation, averaging 36.5 points per game. The 511 points scored in 2024 were the third most in program history.

The eight semifinalists will be announced on Thursday, October 30th, 2025. On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the John Mackey Award will announce its three finalists. The recipient of the award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Friday, December 12th at 7pm on ESPN.

[Charleston Pony]

pretty impressive for 2 guys from the same team being named to any of these awards lists