He was a four-year letter winner as a tight end and defensive back, and set school records for receiving yards in a game, season, and career.

He recorded his first career receptions the next week against Iowa State, finishing with two catches for 41 yards in the game.

[6] In an early season loss to rival Wisconsin, Hockenson set a career high with 125 receiving yards, including a 46-yard connection from quarterback Nate Stanley.

He was named first-team All-Big Ten Conference at tight end by the media voters, and second-team behind Fant by the coaches.

[11][12] On January 14, 2019, Hockenson announced via Twitter that he would be leaving school early to declare for the 2019 NFL draft.

[13] Hockenson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round as the eighth overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft.

[18] In Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hockenson caught three passes for 27 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game with a concussion.

During the game, Hockenson caught five passes for 56 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season as the Lions lost 27–23.

[24] On October 25, in a Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Hockenson caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford as time expired, giving the Lions their third victory of the season.

[34] On December 27, 2023, Hockenson was placed on the injured reserve list after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in a Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions the previous Sunday.