Bowling Green University tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as one of the top tight ends in college football for the 2024 season. Recognized as a John Mackey Award candidate and an All-American, Fannin is dominating the competition with his incredible versatility, athleticism, and on-field production.
At 6’3″, 230 pounds, the junior from Canton, Ohio (McKinley HS), has become the focal point of the Falcons’ offense. His ability to make contested catches, break tackles, and stretch the field has made him a matchup nightmare for defenses. Below are some of his impressive accomplishments:
2024 Season Stats (through October 5, 2024):
- Receptions: 46 (Ranks No. 1 among FBS tight ends, No. 3 overall)
- Receiving Yards: 675 (Ranks No. 1 among FBS tight ends, No. 4 overall)
- Touchdowns: 4 (Ranks No. 2 among FBS tight ends)
- Yards After Catch (YAC): 396 (Ranks No. 1 among FBS tight ends, No. 2 among all players)
- Broken Tackles: 18 (Ranks No. 1 among all receivers)
- First Downs: 31 (Ranks No. 1 among FBS tight ends, No. 3 among all players)
- PFF Grade: 95.1 (No. 2 among all FBS players)
- PFF Routes Grade: 95.4 (No. 1 among all FBS players)
Fannin has had several standout performances this season:
- At Akron (Oct. 5, 2024): 9 catches, 135 yards, 2 rushes for 37 yards, 1 TD
- Vs. Old Dominion (Sept. 28, 2024): 12 catches, 192 yards, 2 TDs
- At Texas A&M (Sept. 21, 2024): 8 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD
- At Penn State (Sept. 7, 2024): 11 catches, 137 yards, 1 TD
His 137 receiving yards against then-No. 8 Penn State are the most the Nittany Lions have allowed this season, and his 65-yard touchdown reception against Texas A&M was the longest offensive touchdown given up by the Aggies in two years.
Fannin’s ability to generate explosive plays is unrivaled, with three receptions of 60+ yards, the most of any player in the nation, and 24 receptions of 10+ yards, ranking No. 4 among all players. He also has 11 receptions of 20+ yards, which is the second-highest in the country.
Awards and Honors (2024):
- Two-time John Mackey Award Player of the Week (Week 4, Week 5)
- Three-time MAC Offensive Player of the Week (Weeks 4, 5, and 6)
- East-West Shrine Breakout Offensive Player of the Week (Week 5)
Fannin has also broken several Bowling Green records. He now holds the school record for the most 100-yard receiving games by a tight end with five. His career totals include 1,517 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns, making him one of only four FBS tight ends (since 1956) to accumulate over 1,500 receiving yards, 11+ touchdowns, and 5+ rushing touchdowns in a career.
Bowling Green Record Book (2024):
- Single-Game Receptions by a Tight End: 12 vs. Old Dominion (No. 2 all-time)
- Single-Game Receiving Yards by a Tight End: 192 vs. Old Dominion (No. 1 all-time)
- Career Receptions by a Tight End: 109 (No. 4 all-time)
- Career Receiving Yards by a Tight End: 1,517 (No. 2 all-time)
- Career Receiving Touchdowns by a Tight End: 11 (No. 1 all-time)
As Harold Fannin Jr. continues to build his legacy, he’s becoming not only a favorite for the John Mackey Award but also a serious prospect for NFL scouts. With his rare combination of physical attributes, football IQ, and work ethic, Fannin’s future looks incredibly bright.
