For a second straight season, Jack Velling has earned some legit preseason recognition.
A year ago, he was coming off a career season with Oregon State before following Jonathan Smith to East Lansing, but he just didn't have the season he had expected. He did catch a career-high 36 passes for 411 yards, but his touchdown number dipped from eight in 2023 to just one in 2024.
That dip in touchdown production didn't hurt his reputation, however. He's still considered one of the best tight ends in the country, and the John Mackey Award agrees.