In an era where college kickers are more accurate and powerful than ever before, a strange paradox has emerged: the demand for reliable, game-ready specialists has never been higher, and many of the nation’s top football programs are struggling to find them.
While the overall talent pool has deepened, the pressure to win now means that teams can’t always afford to wait for a promising freshman to develop. This has led to a seismic shift in how championship-contending programs address their kicking woes: they are increasingly turning to the transfer portal for immediate, proven solutions.
The Paradox: More Talent, Higher Stakes
As we’ve discussed before, the statistics show a clear upward trend in kicking performance over the last decade. The “automatic” range has expanded, and 50-yard field goals are more common than ever. So why are so many elite teams still facing kicking challenges?
The answer lies in the immense pressure of the modern college football landscape. With conference championships and College Football Playoff berths on the line, a single missed field goal can derail an entire season. Coaches at top programs are no longer just looking for a strong leg; they are hunting for a specialist with a proven track record of performing in high-stakes moments. They need a known quantity, and they need them now.
The Transfer Portal: A Plug-and-Play Solution
The transfer portal has become the go-to marketplace for teams looking to fill a critical need at the kicker position. Instead of gambling on an incoming high school recruit who has never kicked in front of 80,000 people, a coach can now acquire a veteran player who has already proven they can handle the pressure of the college game.
A prime example of this trend is Notre Dame, a program with perennial championship aspirations, which recently added a kicker from the transfer portal to solidify their special teams. This move highlights a crucial reality: even with a deeper pool of talent nationwide, finding a kicker who combines elite skill with mental fortitude is a top priority, and teams are willing to look beyond their own recruiting classes to find that player.
The 2024-2025 transfer portal cycle has been particularly active for specialists. Here are just a few of the notable Division I kickers who have sought new opportunities:
- Caden Chittenden (UNLV -> USC)
- Lucas Carneiro (Western Kentucky -> Ole Miss)
- Stephen Rusnak (Charlotte -> Cincinnati)
- Ryan Fitzgerald (Florida State -> Uncommitted)
- Andres Borregales (Miami -> Uncommitted)
- Bert Auburn (Texas -> U. of Miami)
- Mitch Jeter (South Carolina -> Notre Dame)
What This Means for Young Kickers
For aspiring specialists who want to play DI, this trend sends two clear messages:
- Your Performance is Always an Audition: Every kick you take in a game, no matter what level you’re playing at, is part of your resume. Coaches are looking for proven performers, and a strong track record can make you a valuable commodity.
- Development is Non-Negotiable: The bar for what it takes to be a “reliable” kicker is higher than ever. To stand out, you must be technically sound, mentally tough, and incredibly consistent.
The hunt for consistency at the highest levels of college football is intense. While the transfer portal offers a solution for some programs, it also underscores the immense value of a kicker who can be counted on when the game is on the line.
About The Kicking System
Founded by former NFL and Division I kicker John Matich, The Kicking System is a premier training organization dedicated to developing elite kickers and punters. Based in San Diego, CA, we provide specialized coaching that focuses on flawless mechanics, explosive power, and the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest levels of football. Our comprehensive approach helps athletes from youth leagues to the professional ranks achieve their full potential.
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