2025 NFL Draft: Bowling Green Tight End Harold Fannin Jr. Opening Scouts Eyes
The NFL Draft, as of recent, has had no shortage of talent at the tight end position.
In 2024, there were guys like Georgia’s Brock Bowers, Kansas State’s Ben Sinnott, and Illinois’ Tip Reiman. In 2023, we had Iowa’s Sam LaPorta, Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, and Georgia’s Darnell Washington.
2025 won’t be any different. Michigan’s Colston Loveland, Iowa’s Luke Lachey, and Notre Dame’s Mitchell Evans are each catching a lot of traction as early Day Two, late Day One prospects.
There are several more talented tight ends in the 2025 class that will be covered, but one prospect that hasn’t been talked about enough is a 6’4, 230 pound pass catching junior out of Bowling Green State: Harold Fannin Jr.
If you haven’t heard of him, you certainly will in every Falcons game you tune in to, or when the 2025 NFL Draft comes around. Fannin has re-written the tight ends record books for the brown and orange tight ends: first in career receiving touchdowns, third in all-time career receiving yards, fourth in career receptions, amongst several other top-three finishes in the books.
In his career, Fannin has hauled in 100 receptions for 1,382 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 13.8 yards per reception. He earned First Team All-MAC, Third Team All-America (CFN), HERO Sports First Team Group of Five All-America, and Pro Football Focus All-MAC honors in 2023.
In 2023, he tallied 44 catches for 623 yards and six scores through 11 games. So far in 2024, he’s already accumulated 37 catches for 541 yards and four touchdowns - through four games - and on-pace for the best finish by a tight end in Falcons history.
At 6’4, 230 pounds, Fannin has the ideal physical attributes for a receiving threat tight end. He’s able to create deep separation and make strong breaks towards the sideline. A developed route runner with strong footwork, Fannin has been able to show off a next level catch radius and contested catch capabilities.
Fannin makes an athletic catch against the boundary, runs after catch for touchdown vs. Old Dominion
Fannin uses his feet in open space after a deep catch to lose defenders and score a touchdown vs. Texas A&M
He’s equipped with big upside in terms of big play abilities, with strong contact balance. Fannin has a physical and violent play style that makes him an ideal deep threat. His mix of size, athleticism, and versatility makes him a plus-NFL prospect.
Fannin catches a screen and turns up for a big gain vs. Akron
Fannin takes a handoff and breaks defenders in open space for a touchdown vs. Akron
Fannin - a Canton, Ohio native - says he most looks up to NBA legend LeBron James, as they each did their growing up in the same area.
Fannin plays next against Northern Illinois - who beat ranked Notre Dame earlier this season - on October 12th at 3:30PM at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio.