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Gators TE Hayden Hansen named to Mackey Award Watch List

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr08/12/25On3Keith
Florida-Gators-Hayden-Hansen
Maddie Washburn (UAA Photo)

When Hayden Hansen signed with Florida in the class of 2022, he was a little-known tight end from Texas. Now, he’s being recognized for his solid play the past couple of seasons.

Hansen on Tuesday was named to the watch list for the John Mackey Award, which goes annually to the top tight end in college football. Mackey played football at Syracuse from 1960-62 and became just the second pure tight end to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hansen, from Weatherford, Texas, was the No. 105 tight end recruit in the country as a senior for the Rivals Industry Rankings. But after redshirting his first season in Gainesville the 6-foot-7, 269-pound player has been an important part of the UF offense.

Hayden Hansen had a solid 2024 season for the Gators

Now a redshirt junior, Hansen has made 22 starts for the Gators, including 13 last season when UF was 8-5. He recorded 15 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown in 2024 and now has 27 catches for 357 yards and three scores in his Florida career. Also of note, he did not allow a sack on passing blocking snaps last year.

Hansen had a couple fairly long catch-and runs during UF’s scrimmage last Saturday. His development at UF has been interesting to watch. Part of coach Billy Napier’s first recruiting class, he probably seemed like a reach to many.

While considered to be mostly a blocker, the 6-foot-7-7.75, 269-pound Hansen is sneaky good in the passing game. He has improved every year in Gainesville, leading one to believe he potentially might be a larger part of the offense in 2025.

“Hayden is one of our most committed players,” Gators coach Billy Napier said last season. “I think he works as hard as anyone that we have and certainly he started his career as a quarterback — I’m sure he’s told you that too — but he’s a big man. He’s got height and length and he does a nice job. He can stretch the field vertically, his ball skills have improved and that route tree for that position.”

Per a UF release, “The recipient of the Mackey Award is chosen by a selection committee comprised of sports writers, college football analysts and former Mackey Award winners. The winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 12, 2025 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.”

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