Best Kickers in College Football (Lou Groza Award Watch List)

The following post explores the best kickers in college football (Lou Groza Award Watch List).

Some college football teams have an NFL-level kicker capable of drilling a 55-yarder into the wind. These are the kickers you need to know about when betting on college football.

Read: Best Wide Recievers in College Football

Related: Best Times to Live Bet College Football

Recognizing when an NFL-caliber placekicker is on the field can help you avoid bad bets and discover profitable betting opportunities to capitalize on.

So which placekickers can you trust? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

The Lou Groza Award Watch List features the top placekickers in the nation heading into the new college football season.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the Lou Groza Award Committee tracks the performance of kickers on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the list down to 10 semifinalists. From this group, the top three finalists are chosen.

The winner is chosen from three finalists by a panel consisting of FBS head coaches, sports information directors, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers.

Lou Groza Award Watch List (2024)

In no particular order, here is the 2024 Lou Groza Award Watch List:

• Graham Nicholson – Alabama

• Andres Borregales – Miami

• Jonah Dalmas – Boise State

• Matthew Shipley – Arkansas

• Drew Stevens – Iowa

• Bert Auburn – Texas

• Randy Bond – Texas A&M

• Dylan Lynch – Fresno State

• Dragan Kesich – Minnesota

• Michael Lantz – USC

• John Love – Virginia Tech

• Peyton Woodring – Georgia

• Mason Shipley – Texas State

• Alex McPherson – Auburn

• Noah Burnette – North Carolina

• Ryan Fitzgerald – Florida State

Lou Groza Award Winners (2000 – Present)

Here are the winners from years past – notice lots of NFL names on this list.

• 2023: Graham Nicholson – University of Miami

• 2022: Evan McPherson – University of Florida

• 2021: Jake Moody – University of Michigan

• 2020: Evan McPherson – University of Florida

• 2019: Jose Borregales – University of Miami

• 2018: Cameron Dicker – University of Texas

• 2017: Rodrigo Blankenship – University of Georgia

• 2016: Zane Gonzalez – Arizona State University

• 2015: Eddie Pineiro – University of Florida

• 2014: Robert Aguayo – Florida State University

• 2013: Kyle Brindza – University of Notre Dame

• 2012: Brad Wing – Louisiana State University

• 2011: Cairo Santos – University of Tulane

• 2010: Chad Hedlund – Texas Tech University

• 2009: Blair Walsh – University of Georgia

• 2008: Graham Harrell – Texas Tech University

• 2007: Thomas Weber – Arizona State University

• 2006: David Akers – University of Georgia

• 2005: Mike Nugent – Ohio State University

• 2004: Nick Novak – University of Maryland

• 2003: Nate Kaeding – University of Iowa

• 2002: John Hall – University of Virginia

• 2001: Jason Elam – University of Colorado

• 2000: David Akers – University of Georgia

In Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing the best kickers can make all the difference between winning and losing as a sports bettor. It’s wise to keep these kickers (and their teams) in mind as you approach the season.