Unless you were a massive fan of mid-week #MACtion or attended one of the Mid-American Conference schools, you wouldn’t know much about the Bowling Green State Falcons. BGSU has had 80 former players hear their name in the NFL Draft and even has a first-round alumnus (Bernie Casey to the San Francisco 49ers in 1961).
Since the turn of the century, the Falcons have only had seven draft picks and a fourth-rounder was the highest. They were kept off the board in 2024 after sending Karl Brooks to Green Bay in 2023, who immediately made a mark.
When it comes to 2025, NFL Draft scouts and experts have already started to put in the work. An underrated prospect, according to these experts, is none other than Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin, Jr.
Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin, Jr. Garnering NFL Draft Hype
![Elite Bowling Green Tight End is Earning 2025 NFL Draft Hype 1 bowling green Harold Fannin Jr.](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_19107248_168400545_lowres-1024x683.jpg)
It’s not often a MAC player is good enough to leave school with eligibility remaining. Quinyon Mitchell did so with Toledo and Fannin has the opportunity after the 2024 season.
In his true freshman season, Fannin appeared in 12 games and even logged a start. In those 12 games, he amassed 218 yards and a score off of 19 receptions. He took a step forward last year as a true sophomore, hence the hype. Fannin started eight games for the Falcons and appeared in three more. This time around, he earned 623 yards and six touchdowns off of 44 receptions.
He finished the year atop the tight end leaderboard in the MAC in receiving and sixth in all of the FBS. This 14.2 yards per catch were third-best in the country and his 406 yards after catch were second only to first-round pick, Brock Bowers.
Fannin earned First-Team All-MAC honors for his efforts.
Fannin’s NFL Draft Prospects
Cory Kinnan of SI‘s NFL Draft beat has been raving about Fannin.
Kinnan noted four aspects to Fannin’s game that will translate to the next level. First, his crisp route running. While comparing Fannin to Davin Njoku, Kinnan notes that the tight end can actually run a full route tree and is able to make his breaks with precision and purpose. Considering Fannin was a linebacker before making the change, this is quite possibly the most impressive part of his game.
The next area is Fannin’s sure-handedness. According to PFF, Fannin did not drop a single pass in 2023. Kinnan goes on to note:
While there is evidence that he can play through contact at a higher level, Fannin Jr. possesses vice grips when the football is in his reach. This has translated to explosive plays down the field and even spectacular one-handed catches in the back of the endzone.
The next two areas focus on physicality. Fannin notably difficult to bring down in the open field. Plus, he’s of the school of “no block, no rock.” Fannin has shown a willingness and ability to block for his teammates.
Fannin cannot be brought down by simple arm tackles, hence the 400+ YAC. If there’s a stat a player ends up only behind that unicorn Bowers, it’s impressive. Additionally, his blocking chops are fairly developed. As a former linebacker, coaches did not have to teach him physicality, just technique. Thus far, he’s shown that he’s got what it takes.
Kinnan highlights a few reps against eventual second-round pick, Marshawn Kneeland. Hailing from Western Michigan, Kneeland was praised as an athletic freak. Fannin, when tasked with blocking Kneeland, was able to stonewall the talented edge rusher and win regularly.
For Kinnan’s full write-up, click here. He does a fantastic job highlighting one of the potential diamonds in the rough.
Tune in to #MACtion
In today’s transfer portal era with alleged tampering and “the grass is greener” pitches, it’s impressive that Bowling Green was able to keep Fannin. The Falcons lost a handful of players to the portal and graduation but Fannin would’ve been the crown jewel.
Heading into 2024, Bowling Green is expected to take a step forward and begin to get back to competing in the MAC. Without divisions, they’ll have a smaller margin for error, of course.
Fannin will likely start the season on a host of watchlists. If you end up talking 2025 NFL Draft and don’t know Fannin’s name, that’s on you.