BLACKSBURG, VA - APRIL 18: Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Luke Reynolds (85) hauls in a pass then rushes upfield during the Virginia Tech spring football game on April 18, 2026, at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA. (Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe tight end position went from almost never being used under former Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery to one of the teams most loaded positions. You can thank new head coach James Franklin and offensive coordinator Ty Howle for the talent infusion. It wasnt like the Hokies didnt have good tight ends last season. Benji Gosnell has looked like a future NFL player in his career, while JaRicous Hairston is a very solid contributor. This offseason, Howle, who also doubles as the tight ends coach, had two tight ends follow him and Franklin from Penn State: Luke Reynolds and Matt Henderson. While Henderson may not make an impact this year because hes only a redshirt freshman, Reynolds is considered one of college footballs tight ends. And hes receiving recognition ahead of the 2026 season, as he was recently named to the John Mackey Award watch list. The Mackey Award is given annually to college footballs top tight end. Luke Reynolds has been named to the Mackey Award Watch List The Mackey Award honors the best tight end in the nation.: https://t.co/Rg7TDgWOaO#LetsGoHokies | @TheMackeyAwardpic.twitter.com/bvNC9pAlb3 Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) August 5, 2026The 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior from Cheshire, Connecticut, caught 26 passes for 257 yards last season with the Nittany LionsHowle, considered one of the nations top tight end coaches, will heavily feature the position in his new offense for the Hokies. It could be a big year for Reynolds and Gosnell.