AMES, Iowa – Iowa State tight end Gabe Burkle was named to the 2025 John Mackey Award watch list Friday. The award is presented annually to the best tight end in college football.

Burkle was one of six Big 12 tight ends featured on the 46-player watch list.

A Cedar Rapids, Iowa native, Burkle took on an increased role within the Cyclone offense and emerged as a viable pass-catching option later in the season. Burkle played in all 14 games, making eight starts, and hauled in 26 receptions for 296 yards.

Of his 26 receptions, 24 came in the final seven games of the season.

Burkle was part of several key plays throughout the season, but perhaps none bigger than his 26-yard reception via halfback pass on a critical third-and-1 to set up the game-winning score at Utah. He also caught his first-career touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against No. 15 Miami.

Iowa State opens the 2025 season August 23 in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Season tickets are on sale, here.