UH Tight End Tanner Koziol Named to Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

University of Houston tight end Tanner Koziol has been named to the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced Wednesday. 

The award annually recognizes the most outstanding receiver in college football—regardless of position—and Koziol’s inclusion marks yet another milestone in his already impressive career.

Koziol transferred to Houston this summer after three standout seasons at Ball State, where he cemented himself as one of the most productive tight ends in the country. In 2023, he earned College Football Network Third-Team All-American honors and was named a HERO Sports First-Team Group of 5 All-American. 

He broke Ball State’s single-season and career records for receptions by a tight end, tallying 94 catches for 839 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

A native of Bloomingdale, Illinois, Koziol was one of just five tight ends nationwide to surpass 800 receiving yards, and one of three to catch 8+ touchdown passes in 2023. 

He brings a career total of 163 receptions, 1,507 yards, and 18 touchdowns to Houston.

Koziol’s addition is already turning heads in Houston’s revamped offense under new offensive coordinator Slade Nagle. Known for his work with tight ends at LSU, Nagle has emphasized the position as a cornerstone of his system. 

With Koziol’s size, skill, and versatility, he’s expected to be a matchup nightmare for Big 12 defenses this fall.

He joins former Cougar Tank Dell as the latest UH standout recognized by the Biletnikoff Award committee.