“Tennessee’s Miles Kitselman Earns Prestigious Preseason Mackey Award Recognition, Signaling a Breakout Season Ahead for the Veteran Tight End”
The Mackey Award Foundation’s recent announcement spotlighting Tennessee redshirt senior tight end Miles Kitselman as a preseason candidate for the prestigious John Mackey Award has created an exciting buzz around Knoxville and the college football world at large. The award, given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in the country, represents the highest level of recognition for players at the position, and Kitselman’s inclusion on the preseason watch list is a testament to his growth, commitment, and potential heading into the 2025 season. For a program that continues to climb under head coach Josh Heupel, the emergence of Kitselman as a national-caliber talent adds another crucial layer to an offense loaded with playmakers and ambition.
Kitselman’s journey to this moment has not been without its twists, but his rise through the depth chart and his increasing impact on the field have been undeniable. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 255 pounds, Kitselman possesses the ideal frame for a modern tight end—big enough to block in-line with effectiveness and agile enough to split out and run routes like a wide receiver. But it’s not just his size that has made coaches and analysts take notice—it’s his work ethic, football IQ, and steady progression through Tennessee’s complex offensive system that have truly set him apart.
Originally transferring from Alabama, where he began his college football career, Kitselman arrived in Knoxville with plenty of raw ability and untapped potential. In his early days with the Volunteers, he played a limited role, seeing action primarily in blocking situations while developing his route running and hands. That initial season, however, laid the groundwork for the breakthrough that appears imminent. Coaches frequently praised his dedication in the film room, weight room, and on the practice field, noting that his leadership and maturity often set the tone for the younger players around him. By the close of the 2024 season, Kitselman had already begun flashing the skills that now place him among the top tight end prospects in the country.
The tight end position in Heupel’s offense has historically been overshadowed by the electric wide receiver play and the up-tempo attack that focuses on spacing and speed. However, as the system has evolved, the coaching staff has found ways to incorporate more dynamic tight end usage into their game plans. Kitselman has been one of the primary beneficiaries of that strategic shift. In 2024, he recorded 31 receptions for 417 yards and five touchdowns—solid numbers that hinted at much greater things to come. More impressively, he developed into a consistent red zone target, with three of his five touchdowns coming inside the 20-yard line, showcasing his ability to create separation against linebackers and box out defenders on contested catches.
Now entering his final collegiate season, Kitselman is positioned not only to expand his statistical output but also to serve as a pivotal leader for a team with championship aspirations. Tennessee’s quarterback transition to Arch Manning has been a dominant storyline throughout the offseason, and a reliable tight end like Kitselman could serve as a crucial security blanket for the young signal-caller. Manning’s elite arm talent combined with Kitselman’s catch radius and route precision make for a potentially lethal combination, especially on intermediate throws, seam routes, and third-down situations. If their chemistry continues to build, the duo could wreak havoc on SEC defenses throughout the fall.
Beyond the on-field contributions, Kitselman’s presence in the locker room has earned him widespread respect. Teammates speak highly of his attention to detail, humility, and willingness to put in extra work after practice to perfect his craft. He’s become known for mentoring younger players—tight ends, receivers, and even offensive linemen—offering insights and encouragement that reflect his deep understanding of the game. For a Tennessee program that has worked diligently to rebuild its culture and identity over the past several seasons, Kitselman embodies the kind of leadership that transcends stat sheets and headlines.
The Mackey Award preseason watch list is filled with standout names from powerhouse programs, many of whom have already built national reputations. That Kitselman is among them is a testament to the growing national awareness of his talent and the belief that he can elevate his game to another level in 2025. Winning the award will require consistency, standout performances in big games, and a continued ability to impact the game in multiple phases—receiving, blocking, and special teams. But if his trajectory continues upward, Kitselman will be in the thick of the race when December rolls around.
Tennessee’s schedule in 2025 offers plenty of opportunities for Kitselman to shine on the biggest stages. Marquee matchups against teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M will place him squarely in the national spotlight, and his ability to deliver in those high-pressure environments could separate him from other contenders for the Mackey Award. With television cameras focused, NFL scouts watching closely, and fans eager to see how the Volunteers fare in a competitive SEC landscape, Kitselman will have every chance to prove that his inclusion on the watch list was more than just preseason hype—it was a preview of greatness to come.
Part of what makes Kitselman such an intriguing candidate for the Mackey Award is his well-rounded skill set. While some tight ends excel primarily as receivers or blockers, Kitselman’s versatility allows Tennessee to use him in a variety of ways. On one play, he might line up attached to the line and seal the edge for a running play. On the next, he could flex out into the slot and run a deep crossing route against a safety. His understanding of coverages, route leverage, and timing has steadily improved, and his strong hands allow him to make difficult catches look routine. In an era where tight ends are increasingly asked to do it all, Kitselman fits the mold of the modern NFL-ready player.
Coaches around the SEC have taken notice as well. In anonymous scouting reports, several defensive coordinators have mentioned Kitselman as a matchup problem due to his size and athleticism. Linebackers struggle to keep up with his speed, while defensive backs often find themselves physically outmatched. This mismatch potential has made him a focal point in opposing teams’ scouting reports, and it’s also helped open things up for Tennessee’s wide receivers and running backs by forcing defenses to adjust their coverage schemes.
In the broader context of Tennessee football history, Kitselman’s rise is part of a larger narrative of the program’s resurgence. Once a powerhouse that had fallen on hard times, Tennessee has steadily clawed its way back into relevance under Heupel’s guidance. The Volunteers’ success has been built on explosive offense, improved recruiting, and the development of key players like Kitselman who buy into the vision and put in the work to make it a reality. If the 2025 season unfolds as many expect, Kitselman’s name could be etched into Volunteer lore alongside other greats who helped bring the program back to national prominence.
While individual accolades like the Mackey Award are inherently personal, Kitselman has consistently deflected praise to his teammates and coaches. He often cites the offensive line for giving him time to get open, the quarterbacks for trusting him, and the coaching staff for putting him in positions to succeed. That humility has only endeared him more to fans, who have embraced him as both a competitor and a representative of Tennessee’s values. In a college football world increasingly driven by individual branding and NIL deals, Kitselman stands out as a throwback—a team-first player who lets his actions speak louder than his words.
As fall camp intensifies and the season opener draws near, all eyes will be on Kitselman to see if he can turn his preseason recognition into postseason accolades. The road to the Mackey Award is a challenging one, paved with elite competition and relentless expectations. But if there’s one player prepared for that journey, it’s Miles Kitselman. With his blend of experience, talent, leadership, and determination, he enters the 2025 campaign not just as a name on a watch list—but as a serious contender to be remembered as the best tight end in college football.
