Marshall University Athletics
Toby Payne Named To 2026 Mackey Award Watch List
8/5/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
Herd TE earns preseason honors after being named 2025 All-SBC 1st Team
2026 Marshall Football Tickets
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall senior tight end Toby Payne was named to the 2026 Mackey Award Preseason Watch List on Wednesday, the Nassau County Sports Commission announced.
Payne is one of 43 players who were nominated to the preseason watch list, which honors the top tight end in college football annually.
"We are extremely proud of Toby to earn this well-deserved preseason honor," Marshall head coach Tony Gibson said. "He's been one of our leaders since I got here and he leads by example in all areas – the weight room, on the field and in the classroom and community. Whether his pass-catching ability or blocking for our run and return games, he changes the game for us."
Payne returns in 2026 after a 2025 season in which he earned All-SBC First Team honors after catching 37 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns last season.
The Poca, W.Va., native had his best game in a Marshall uniform during last year's win at Georgia State when he caught five passes for 110 yards and a touchdown – his first 100-yard receiving game with the Herd.
Payne also had a breakout game in the win over Middle Tennessee when he caught four passes for 46 yards and two scores – the second two-touchdown game of his career.
Payne caught at least three passes in 10 of 12 games last year, including the final nine games of the season.
In addition to his prowess as a receiver, Payne has been a central force in blocking for the Herd's rushing attack which finished in the top-25 last season and also the kickoff return team.
The John Mackey Award is a partner of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which has 25 different awards each year to honor the most prestigious players in college football.
About The Mackey Award
Inaugurated in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the John Mackey Award distinguishes the nation's most outstanding collegiate tight end who exemplifies gridiron mastery and character. This honor recognizes athletic giants who redefine leadership on the field and within their communities.
The John Mackey Award helps the Nassau County Sports Commission champion the John Mackey Fund, which tirelessly advocates for enhanced athlete protections, health research funding and the fundamental rights of every competitor in the sport.
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