The UNC football program's tight end group looks a lot different than it did a season ago.
This offseason, Bill Belichick and company placed an emphasis on bringing in depth at this position, one that the former Super Bowl winning head coach has shown to be a vital part of his team's offensive attack.
While the Tar Heels didn't bring in a Mark Bavaro or Rob Gronkowski (that we know of at this point), they acquired some unproven talents who they believe they can unlock this season.
One of those guys is Jelani Thurman, a transfer from Ohio State. In fact, those in Chapel Hill aren't the only ones who believe that Thurman is destined to be a breakout star during the 2026 campaign.
Jelani Thurman named to the John Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
Thurman was recently named to the John Mackey Award preseason watch list. This award is presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in college football.
Preseason Recognition for Jelani Thurman pic.twitter.com/jHVrvu44YW
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 5, 2026
The Atlantic Coast Conference was well-represented on this preseason watch list. In total, eight ACC tight ends made the cut, as this positional group has the potential to be a major area of strength for the conference in general.
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2026 John Mackey Award Watch List – ACC Selections
- Dorian Thomas, TE, California
- Jeremiah Hasley, TE, Duke
- Chris Corbo, TE, Georgia Tech
- Brody Foley, TE, Louisville
- Elijah Lofton, TE, Miami
- Jelani Thurman, TE, North Carolina
- Randy Pittman Jr., TE, SMU
- Luke Reynolds, TE, Virginia Tech
Used sparingly in the passing game at Ohio State, Thurman is coming off his most productive collegiate season to this point. He recorded seven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, giving him 13 catches for 144 yards and a pair of scores during his three seasons as a Buckeye.
A 6-foot-6, 250-pounder from Fairburn, Georgia, the Tar Heels are hoping that he can be a steady weapon for the offense to rely on this season.
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Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels have been searching for additional talent ever since they took over the reigns of the program just over a year ago. This offseason, the focus was adding depth across the board, looking to bring in some veteran guys to compliment the big group of incoming freshman that the program recruited to Chapel Hill.
After last season's offensive woes, the Tar Heels desperately need a much better season in terms of putting points on the board. With new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino in town, along with a new crop of talent in place, North Carolina believes it has the pieces to be a much more productive offense in 2026, and having a quality tight end who can extend drives while also serving as a matchup nightmare in the red zone would certainly help those goals.
Jelani Thurman just might be that guy to get the job done, as a breakout season from him would indicate very good things for the UNC football program's offensive unit this season.
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