A former Nebraska walk-on who blossomed into a Burlsworth Trophy nominee during a single big season at Texas A&M, Nate Boerkircher is now a second-round tight end for the Jaguars.
Nate Boerkircher spent four years grinding through a modest role at Nebraska before a graduate transfer to Texas A&M unlocked his production almost overnight. Jacksonville selected the 6-foot-5 tight end 56th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, betting that his blocking background and late breakout translate into a long-term role in the Jaguars' offense.
Path to the league
Boerkircher starred at Aurora High School in Nebraska, catching 22 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns as a senior and earning all-state recognition. He spent 2020 through 2024 at Nebraska, where his receiving role stayed limited even as he developed into a reliable blocker, before transferring to Texas A&M for his final season of eligibility.
Career highlights
Across four seasons at Nebraska, Boerkircher totaled just 19 receptions for 219 yards and one touchdown, largely serving as an in-line blocker. His lone season at Texas A&M in 2025 was a breakout: 19 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games, including a scoring catch in the Aggies' win over eighth-ranked Notre Dame, and a nomination for the Burlsworth Trophy given annually to the top player who began his career as a walk-on.
2025 season recap
Boerkircher's 2025 season at Texas A&M was the best of his college career, with career highs across the board in receptions, yards and touchdowns while anchoring the Aggies' tight end room as a blocker. That production carried him into the 2026 NFL Draft, where the Jaguars took him in the second round, 56th overall, to join a tight end group that includes Brenton Strange and Quintin Morris.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Nate Boerkircher
- ESPN: Nate Boerkircher player page
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- Texas A&M
- Hometown
- Aurora, NE, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
