Lauter Earns Recognition on Mackey Award Watch List

Courtesy of Boise State Athletics

BOISE, Idaho – Boise State tight end Matt Lauter earned recognition on the Mackey Award Watch List, the Friends of John Mackey announced. The award is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding tight end. Lauter is one of 46 players on this year’s watch list, joining Wyoming’s John Michael Gyllenborg as the only representatives from the Mountain West.

The redshirt senior is the first Bronco since John Bates to be selected to the watch list. Bates, who is entering his fifth season with Washington Commanders, was featured on the watch list three-straight years (2018-20). Previous Broncos on the Mackey Award Watch List include Jake Roh (2016-17), Gabe Linehan (2013) and Kyle Efaw (2011).

In 2024, Lauter led MW tight ends in receptions (47), yards (619) and touchdowns (7), ranking in the FBS top-20 in each category. He also led the conference and ranked in the nation’s top-15 in yards after catch (381) and first downs (29). He was an All-MW First Team selection and has been named Preseason All-MW. The Torrey Pines HS product was also included on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist.

Eight semifinalists for the award will be announced Oct. 30, with three finalists named Nov. 26. The winner of the 26th Mackey Award will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which airs Dec. 12 on ESPN.

Broncos on 2025 Watch Lists
S Ty Benefield (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)
OL Kage Casey (Outland Trophy)
RB Sire Gaines (Doak Walker Award)
LS Mason Hutton (Patrick Mannelly Award)
TE Matt Lauter (Mackey Award)
QB Maddux Madsen (Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year Award)
CB A’Marion McCoy (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)
LB Marco Notarainni (Wuerffel Trophy)
EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lott IMPACT Trophy)