The Florida Gators have produced two Mackey Award winners in the last 16 seasons and will have an opportunity to add a third to the elite list of tight ends in 2025.
Redshirt junior Hayden Hansen was included in the 2025 Mackey Award preseason watch list Aug. 8.
Distinguished 8️⃣9️⃣@HaydenHansen89 has been named to the @JohnMackeyAward Preseason Watch List.
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) August 12, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/oenPmR0XuG pic.twitter.com/qnjH1YNbLE
Hansen caught 15 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown during the 2024 campaign while holding up strong as a blocker.
Standing at nearly 6-foot-8, 269 pounds, Hansen brings a unique body type to the tight end position, and he could be in line for a breakout year.
Hansen split playing time with Arlis Boardingham and Tony Livingston last season. Boardingham, who tallied 18 catches for 128 yards, transferred out of the program in favor of Bowling Green.
Florida didn't add any veterans to the room to complement Hansen and Livingston. which could leave more opportunities for Hansen.
In addition to less competition in the tight end room, Hansen should benefit from what's expected to be an improved passing game.
Hansen never had the chance to create much synergy with a Gators signal caller, as DJ Lagway, Graham Mertz, and Aidan Warner all saw action during an injury-plagued campaign.
Lagway, whose health still remains in limbo a few weeks out from Florida's season opener against Long Island University, handled the majority of QB snaps but completed fewer than 60 percent of his passes and threw nine interceptions.
Entering his sophomore season, Lagway should take a step forward as a passer and leader of the offense. If he does, Florida could pile up points, and in turn, leave plenty of touchdowns and yardage for Hansen.
The Weatherford, Texas native was one of 46 names included on the preseason watch list, and the award will be handed out as part of the College Football Awards show, which will be broadcasted Dec. 12. on ESPN.