North Carolina State University Athletics
Justin Joly Recognized as Semifinalist for the John Mackey Award for the Nation’s Best Tight End
11/6/2025 3:20:00 PM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. – NC State football tight end Justin Joly is one of eight semifinalists up for the prestigious John Mackey Award, given to the best tight end in college football, the organization announced Thursday afternoon.
Joly is leading the Wolfpack with 36 receptions on the season, ranking second among P4 tight ends. He has totaled 365 yards and five touchdowns this season, helping lead the NC State tight end room, which leads the country with nine touchdowns combined.
The Brewster, N.Y, native has tallied 79 catches for 1026 yards since joining the Pack prior to the 2024 season; those marks rank fifth and fourth in school history, respectively, for a tight end.
Ahead of the season, Joly was named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff and Mackey Awards. He was named tight end of the week by the Mackey award following his career game against Pitt. After pulling in six receptions for a career-best 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, it was his first 100-yard game of his career. His second touchdown against Pitt was a career-long 59-yarder. He pulled up injured at the 25 and still managed to score.
In 2010, George Bryan was named a semifinalist for the award. Joly joins names such as T.J. Williams, Anthony Hill, Asa Watson, Cole Cook, David Grinnage, Trent Pennix, Jaylen Samuels, and Cary Angeline who have also been recognized for the award.
The John Mackey Award was established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The recipient of the award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, Friday, Dec. 12th at 7 pm on ESPN.
Joly is leading the Wolfpack with 36 receptions on the season, ranking second among P4 tight ends. He has totaled 365 yards and five touchdowns this season, helping lead the NC State tight end room, which leads the country with nine touchdowns combined.
The Brewster, N.Y, native has tallied 79 catches for 1026 yards since joining the Pack prior to the 2024 season; those marks rank fifth and fourth in school history, respectively, for a tight end.
Ahead of the season, Joly was named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff and Mackey Awards. He was named tight end of the week by the Mackey award following his career game against Pitt. After pulling in six receptions for a career-best 101 yards and two touchdowns against the Panthers, it was his first 100-yard game of his career. His second touchdown against Pitt was a career-long 59-yarder. He pulled up injured at the 25 and still managed to score.
In 2010, George Bryan was named a semifinalist for the award. Joly joins names such as T.J. Williams, Anthony Hill, Asa Watson, Cole Cook, David Grinnage, Trent Pennix, Jaylen Samuels, and Cary Angeline who have also been recognized for the award.
The John Mackey Award was established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The recipient of the award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, Friday, Dec. 12th at 7 pm on ESPN.
Players Mentioned
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