Seemingly each year the UNC football team enjoys a "successful" season, solid tight ends are part of that roster. Jake Johnson recorded just 144 receiving yards in 2025, a campaign in which the Tar Heels trudged to a 4-8 record.
North Carolina completely revamped its tight end room this offseason, adding three transfers while returning Shamar Easter. UNC still hasn't announced its official 2026 depth chart, but one of the those transfers, Jelani Thurman (Ohio State), has the most production amongst his position group.
Expected to be a key contributor for the Tar Heels this fall, Thurman recently added some preseason recognition to his name, earning a spot on the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List.
This award, named after former Syracuse tight
end and 10-year NFL veteran John Mackey, honors the best tight end in college football.
Entering his fourth year of college football, Thurman enjoyed his best season in 2025, catching seven passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Buckeyes lost to eventual CFP runner-up Miami in the quarterfinals, but finally snapped their long losing streak to archrival Michigan.
Preseason Recognition for Jelani Thurman pic.twitter.com/jHVrvu44YW
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 5, 2026
Thurman has just 13 career catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns, but he sports an imposing frame of 6'6" and 250 pounds. North Carolina likes to rotate tight ends, like it did with John Copenhaver and Bryson Nesbit in 2024, but a strong start to 2026 can elevate Thurman atop his new team's depth chart.
Regardless of how UNC plans to operate its offense this fall, Thurman should be one of the top producers for whomever Bill Belichick decides is starting quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC pass-catcher earns spot on Preseason Watch List for TE award
