California football tight end Dorian Thomas has been selected to the 2026 John Mackey Award Preseason Watchlist, announced today by the organization.
 
Thomas arrived in Berkeley this past spring as the No. 6 tight end in the 2026 transfer portal according to both 247Sports and On3 Sports, as well as being tabbed the No. 107 player overall. He is poised to make his debut for the Golden Bears this fall after a successful redshirt sophomore season at New Mexico in 2025, in which he earned All-Mountain West First-Team honors.
 
Thomas had the third-most catches (56) and eighth-most receiving yards (560) in the nation by a tight end, while adding four touchdown receptions in 2025 and recording at least two catches in all 13 games he played in. His strong outing last season was highlighted by a career-high 10 catches for 71 yards receiving and a pair of touchdown grabs in New Mexico's season opener at Michigan.
 
Prior to his time with the Lobos, Thomas spent two seasons at Arizona where he primarily contributed on special teams. He hails from Kent, Washington, where he was a two-sport athlete in football and basketball at Kentridge High School.
 
The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football, named to honor the legacy of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, who was a model of excellence, leadership and character. The full list of preseason watchlist selections includes 43 student-athletes from across the nation.