The Kentucky Wildcats have quietly been one of the most efficient offenses in the SEC. With just two losses, they've consistently been able to get the ball into the end zone, which could propel them to their first College Football Playoff berth in program history.

One major reason for their success has been the involvement and continued high-level play of tight end Willie Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is in his third season with the Wildcats and has seen his usage tick up in each of his three years in Lexington. He has 45 receptions for 405 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2026. Coming into the season, he had 28 receptions, 404 yards and one touchdown on his career, so he's clearly been able to take a massive leap for Will Stein and company.

Originally from Alexandria, Kentucky, and having played his high school football with Covington Catholic, Rodriguez was a star in the state before stepping foot on the turf for Kentucky. He was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024 and was dubbed the 47th-best tight end in the class. He's far exceeded those expectations and has been named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award.

Below is the program's official announcement of his selection.

Of note, three finalists will be announced on Nov. 24, before the winner is awarded the honor on Dec. 13. There were eight other tight ends named to the list. Rocky Beers from Oklahoma is the only other player in the SEC.

There have been some stars who have been awarded the honor before. Tyler Warren was the winner in 2024, with Brock Bowers earning the honor in both 2022 and 2023. Hopefully, in 2026, Kentucky will see Rodriguez become the first Wildcats player to earn the award.