He played college football at Colorado State, where he was named a unanimous All-American and the John Mackey Award winner in 2021.

[7] Prior to his junior season and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, McBride briefly entered the transfer portal before deciding to stay with the team.

[12] On September 4, 2021, the first game of McBride's senior season, he recorded 13 catches for 116 yards against South Dakota State and was named to the National Team of the Week by PFF.

[15] He was named to the 2021 All-Mountain West first team, as well as being recognized as the nation's best tight end in college football by receiving the 2021 Mackey Award on December 9, 2021.

[23] During Week 10 of the 2023 season against the Falcons, McBride became the first Cardinals tight end to receive 100 or more yards in a game since Rob Awalt in 1989.

[25] In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, McBride recorded six receptions on six targets for 67 yards, along with recovering a fumble for a touchdown in a 41–10 win against the Los Angeles Rams.

[31] In Week 17 against the Rams, McBride caught his first receiving touchdown of the season, finishing the game with 123 yards on 12 receptions.

[32] However, his performance was marred after a pass from Kyler Murray bounced off McBride's helmet just short of the goal line with 42 seconds remaining, leading to a game-sealing interception.

[35] One of Trey's older brothers, Toby, played football at Colorado State as a defensive end.