Kenyon Sadiq becomes Oregon Ducks' first-ever Mackey Award Finalist

"He's the best tight end in the country."

That was Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore speaking on tight end Kenyon Sadiq at the program's 2025 media day.

While the statement wasn't that surprising to hear, as the tight end had flashed his otherworldly talent in 2024 and Moore is supposed to laud his teammates, Sadiq has done his part in proving his quarterback correct — so much so that he's been named a finalist for the John Mackey Award, presented annually to the best tight end in college football.

It's a first for the Oregon program, with previous tight end standouts Terrance Ferguson, Juwan Johnson, Ed Dickson and others never having been named a finalist.

Through ten games, Sadiq leads the Ducks in catches (36), receiving yards (479) and receiving touchdowns (eight). With injuries sidelining wide receivers Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. of late, the 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass-catcher has surged in recent weeks.

It began against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Week 12, as Sadiq set career-highs with eight catches for 96 yards while catching his sixth touchdown of the season. He made a number of impressive catches, catching the eye of NFL draft analysts who touted him as the top tight end in the 2026 draft class.

But Sadiq wasn't finished impressing — in fact, he was arguably better in Week 13.

In a must-win game against the No. 15 USC Trojans with a potential College Football Playoff spot on the line, Sadiq was Moore's go-to target in catching six passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns, one of which on a difficult catch up the seam that he made look routine.

While it's worth celebrating that Sadiq has been named a Mackey Award finalist, it shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, his quarterback knew it was coming.

Contact/Follow@Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Kenyon Sadiq Selected as Mackey Finalist, marking Oregon milestone