In the world of college football, they are the outliers. The specialists. The players brought in for a handful of high-stakes moments that can define a game, a season, or a career.
But just how important is the kicker?
For those who truly understand the game, the answer is simple: they are indispensable. For everyone else, let’s look at the data. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a stark picture of pressure, scarcity, and the razor-thin margin between being just another player and becoming a legend.
The 38% Reality: Most Games Are Won on the Margins
Think about the last college football Saturday you watched. How many games came down to the final possession? How many were decided by a single score?
According to data analyzing thousands of FBS games, 38.56% of all matchups are decided by one score or less. In conferences known for their parity, like the ACC and Big 12, that number skyrockets to over 42%.
That means in nearly four out of every ten games, the outcome rests on a knife’s edge. It’s a world decided by inches, seconds, and, more often than not, a single field goal. When the game is on the line, it’s not the 5-star quarterback or the All-American linebacker who holds the team’s fate in their hands.
It’s you.
The Toughest Roster Spot in America
The pressure of the moment is immense, but the pressure to even get to that moment is even greater. Of all the high school football players who dream of playing on Saturdays, specialists face the most grueling path.
Consider this staggering statistic: Roughly 1 in every 500 high school kickers, punters, and long-snappers will earn a scholarship to play college football.
First, let’s verify and refine the numbers:
- High School Kickers: Roughly 16,000 high schools with football in the US. We’ll use that as the number of primary kicking prospects, as there is at least one kicker per high school.
- Division 1 FBS Programs: As of the 2024 season, the number is 134.
- Scholarship Frequency: A team typically only has one kicker on a full scholarship at any given time.
The Calculation
- Find the number of new D1 kicking scholarships available each year:
- 134 D1 FBS programs ÷ 4 years = 33.5 scholarships per year
- Calculate the percentage chance for a high school kicker:
- (33.5 available scholarships ÷ 16,000 high school kickers) x 100 = 0.209%
So, the approximate chance of a high school kicker earning a Division 1 FBS scholarship directly out of high school is about 0.21%. It is, without a doubt, one of the most competitive and sought-after positions in all of sports. You aren’t just competing with the best in your state; you’re competing with the best in the country for a handful of coveted spots. Being “good” isn’t good enough. You have to be undeniable.
The Measurable Difference: Good vs. Game-Changing
So, what separates the best from the rest? It’s more than just a strong leg; it’s consistency, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform when the lights are brightest. And the difference is measurable.
Recent data shows that college kickers are more accurate and powerful than ever. In 2024, the success rate on field goals from over 50 yards was nearly 54%—a number that was unthinkable a decade ago. The bar has been raised.
Analytics from College Football Data have shown that the points-added difference between an elite, top-tier kicker and a below-average one over the course of a season can be more than 30 points. That’s the equivalent of four touchdowns. That’s the difference between a bowl game and a losing season.
From Footnote to Headline
In a sport of giants, the kicker stands alone. They are judged by a simple, binary outcome: success or failure.
The data is clear. The majority of games are close. Scholarships are incredibly rare. The gap between a good kicker and a great one can change the entire trajectory of a program.
About The Kicking System
Since 2004, The Kicking System has been North America’s premier football and soccer kicking academy. Based in San Diego, we have a proven heritage of developing elite specialists who succeed at the collegiate and professional levels. Our data-driven approach, utilizing cutting-edge video analysis and specialized training regimes, is built to forge athletes who are technically sound and mentally dominant. Having served as the trusted kicking coaches for elite programs like San Diego State University (SDSU), Oceanside HS, and Mira Mesa HS, we provide our athletes with the complete system for success: world-class player development, specialized training, and dedicated recruiting support. If you’re ready to bridge the gap between talent and legacy, it’s time to embrace The System.
www.kickingsystem.com
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