Texas’ New TE Lands on Biletnikoff Award Watch List for 2025 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
One of the biggest question marks for the Texas Longhorns entering the offseason this year was at the tight end position.
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Texas started Gunnar Helm at the position last season and he had a breakout year, hauling in 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns. The Tennessee Titans selected Helm in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and reserve tight end Juan Davis ran out of eligibility.
With Helm and Davis’ departures, Texas didn’t have a single tight end on the roster who had recorded a reception. While the Longhorns felt comfortable in the young talent in the room, experience is vital in college football.
Texas quickly addressed the position via the transfer portal by landing former Cal tight end Jack Endries. In 2024, Endries led the Golden Bears with 56 receptions for 623 yards. He was one of the top tight ends available in the portal and his receiving ability is a perfect fit in Steve Sarkisian’s offense.
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Nov 23, 2024; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears tight end Jack Endries (87) runs after a catch against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Before even playing a single snap for the Longhorns, Endries made the preseason All-SEC Third Team over the summer and has now been recognized for one of college football’s most prestigious awards.
Endries was named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list on Thursday. The award is given annually to the nation’s most outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. No Longhorn has won the award in the past, although wide receiver Jordan Shipley came close as a finalist in 2009.
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Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 25. Expectations are clearly sky high for Endries in Sarkisian’s offense and he will get his first chance to showcase his talent against Ohio State on Aug. 30.
Related: Texas EDGE Named Best Defensive Player in SEC for 2025
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
