FSU Football’s Best Tight Ends In Program History: No. 1

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Nov 29, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles tight end Nick O’Leary (35) warms up before the start of the game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 – Nick O’Leary (2011 – 2014)

When you are the grandson of one of the greatest sports figures there ever was (and were named after him), greatness is going to be expected. Fortunately for O’Leary, the West Palm Beach native was able to live up to all the hype and kick up expectations for all future FSU tight ends.

O’Leary was rated as the number one tight end recruit in the country and chose FSU football (where his uncle Steve Nicklaus had been a wide receiver in the early 1980’s) over schools such as Georgia (his parents’ alma mater) and Ohio State (the alma mater of his grandfather, legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus). During his first two seasons with the ‘Noles, O’Leary had mild success as FSU football found their way back into the conversation as a powerhouse team.

When the 2013 season rolled around, O’Leary truly shined and became an offensive star. He scored seven touchdowns and had 557 yards receiving as the ‘Noles won the third national title in program history. In 2014, O’Leary had six touchdowns and 618 yards receiving while being named a consensus All-American and winning the John Mackey award as the country’s best tight end.

Now a member of the Buffalo Bills, O’Leary has a bright future ahead of him. Who knows…maybe one day he’ll be the most well known athlete in his family! Okay, maybe not…but he is without a doubt one of the best tight ends to ever play for FSU football.

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