Top Preseason Kickers to Watch for the Lou Groza Award

As the college football season kicks off, the race for the most prestigious individual honor for a specialist—the Lou Groza Award—is officially underway. While the award isn’t won in the preseason, the frontrunners and dark horses are already lining up.

At The Kicking System, we’re breaking down the top preseason all-conference selections from every corner of the country. From the Power Conference titans to the Group of Five standouts, here is your guide to the kickers you need to watch in the 2025 season.

The Power Conference Favorites

These athletes play on the biggest stages, and a strong season will keep them in the national spotlight from start to finish.

• SEC: Alex McPherson, Auburn Widely regarded as one of the top returning kickers in the nation, McPherson has the powerful, accurate leg that coaches dream of. As a kicker for a high-profile SEC team and already on the Lou Groza watch list, a strong season with several clutch kicks in big games makes him a likely finalist. His chances are High.
• Big Ten (B1G): Dominic Zvada, Michigan Arguably one of the early favorites for the award, Zvada is a two-time Lou Groza semifinalist and one of the most accurate kickers in the country, boasting an incredible 95.5% conversion rate last season. His proven track record on a championship-contending team gives him a significant advantage. His chances are Very High.
• ACC: Collin Rogers, SMU Rogers proved he has the leg for the big kicks last season, leading the FBS with an impressive 14 field goals from 40+ yards and earning a semifinalist nod. Playing in a high-powered offense at SMU should provide him with plenty of opportunities to put up big numbers and stay in the national conversation. His chances are High.
• Big 12: Will Ferrin, BYU Consistency is key, and Ferrin was a model of it last season, making 24 field goals. While perhaps not as high-profile as some other names, his ability to consistently put points on the board is undeniable. Another season of high-volume production would undoubtedly put him in the running as a semifinalist. His chances are Good.

The Group of Five Dark Horses

Don’t sleep on the specialists from the Group of Five. These kickers have the talent to compete with anyone in the country and are one dominant season away from becoming household names.

• American (AAC): Jonah Delange, UAB A reliable and respected kicker, Delange is recognized as one of the best in his conference. While it can be challenging for players from the Group of Five to win national awards, a nearly perfect season with exceptional statistics could absolutely break him through to become a finalist. His chances are Moderate.
• MAC: Dom Dzioban, Miami (OH) Dzioban is already on the national radar after a fantastic season where he tied for the FBS lead with 26 made field goals and was named a Lou Groza semifinalist. Another season with similar production would give him a very strong case and a real chance to be a finalist. His chances are Good.
• Mountain West (MW): Dylan Lynch, Fresno State Lynch is no stranger to the national stage, as a two-time Lou Groza watch list member and a 2023 semifinalist. He has a proven track record of both accuracy and distance, and a strong senior season will keep him firmly in the conversation for the award. His chances are Good.
• Sun Belt (SBC): Clune Van Andel, Arkansas State As the reigning Sun Belt Conference Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year, Van Andel’s consistency is his greatest asset, highlighted by a streak of 17 consecutive made field goals last season. If he can add a few long-range, high-pressure kicks to his resume this season, he could make a strong case for national recognition. His chances are Moderate to Good.
• Conference USA (C-USA): While some preseason lists have had mix-ups, any top kicker emerging from C-USA will face a similar path as their Group of Five peers. A statistically dominant season will be required to get the national attention needed to become a finalist, making their chances Moderate.