Heading into the 2023 college football season, second-year starting quarterback JJ McCarthy needs more options out wide. While the Wolverines’ wide receiving corps is looking a bit thin right now (in terms of depth), Michigan football sophomore tight end Colston Loveland has been turning heads as of late — both as a blocker and as a pass-catcher. With fall camp in its early stages, Loveland has made the watch list (and appears among the country’s top contenders) for the prestigious Mackey Award, which is given to the nation’s top tight end annually.
Michigan football sophomore tight end Colston Loveland poised for a huge year
Last year, Michigan football had a fantastic tight end room, although the Wolverines were plagued by injuries throughout the season. Despite Luke Schoonmaker and Erick All both being banged up, true freshman tight end Colston Loveland stepped into the spotlight and proved to be a valuable asset for the Wolveirnes’ offense.
After helping the Wolverines defeat Ohio State (45-23) and win the Big Ten Championship Game (43-22 against Purdue), it’s evident that Colston Loveland has what it takes to become the next great tight end to wear the Maize and Blue. As we head into 2023, both transfer portal addition AJ Barner and sophomore Michigan football player Colston Loveland are on the watch list for the Mackey Award, and they seem poised to make a run at winning it this fall.
A Mackey Award caliber season for Loveland and Barner?
In addition to this national attention, a former Michigan football legend has also given a lot of high praise for the Wolverines’ star tight end ahead of the upcoming season. Jake Butt, the greatest tight end in Michigan football history, believes that Loveland could be one of the best to ever wear the winged helmet — an incredible compliment from a legend like Butt.
“I see a superstar (in Colston Loveland),” Jake Butt said. “Some of the plays he made, particularly late in the season, he did it against Ohio State, in the Big Ten championship. He had a number of targets even in the playoff against TCU … I’ve shared this with him — I don’t see why he can’t be one of, if not the best (Michigan) tight end when it’s all said and done here. He’s got the system in place, got the relationship with JJ McCarthy. He’s proven himself on the field. The only reason he might not do that is he might leave after his junior year. He’s that talented. I’m excited to see him take a huge leap forward this fall.”
When award season rolls around at the end of the 2023 college football season, keep a close eye on Michigan football sophomore Colston Loveland. He appears to be among the top contenders for the Mackey Award and possibly more accolades as he and his program chase a national title in the months to come.
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