The Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, is one of the most prestigious accolades in college football for kickers. Every week, they award the best kickers. Here are the winners for week three.
Harrison Mevis achieved a historic milestone by launching the longest field goal in the history of the SEC. In a thrilling conclusion, he connected from an astonishing 61 yards as the clock ticked to zero, propelling Missouri to a stunning 30-27 upset victory over Kansas State. Notably, this remarkable kick also etched Mevis’ name into the annals of Mizzou’s kicking history, tying him for the most career field goals (66) ever achieved by a Mizzou kicker. Impressively, 11 of these field goals have soared from distances beyond 50 yards, a feat double that of the next closest active kickers. Mevis was not content with his record-breaking performance; he also successfully converted field goals from 30 and 25 yards out, contributing significantly to a 12-point game.
Photo Cred: Lou Groza award
Meanwhile, Jose Pizano’s pivotal 36-yard field goal secured UNLV’s historic first-ever home victory against an SEC opponent, prevailing over Vanderbilt with a score of 40-37. Hailing from Lehi, Utah, this senior kicker displayed his accuracy by adding successful kicks from 34, 31, and 27 yards to his impressive resume, completing a 4-for-5 day. Pizano’s transition from Missouri State to the Rebel ranks has been spectacular, with seven successful field goals in his first three games, positioning him among the top three kickers in FBS for the season. Pizano contributed four extra points, amassing an incredible 16-point game that ties the program record for the most points scored by a kicker.
Photo Cred: Lou Groza award
In another remarkable display of clutch kicking, Noah Rauschenberg emerged as the hero for North Texas, delivering a game-winning 31-yard field goal on the road. This monumental kick secured North Texas’ first victory as they triumphed over Louisiana Tech with a score of 40-37. Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, this senior kicker displayed his accuracy throughout the game, adding three first-half field goals from 48, 25, and 22 yards to his impressive tally. Rauschenberg’s impeccable 4-for-4 performance marked a historic achievement, becoming the first Mean Green kicker since 2019 to achieve such a feat. With a perfect record of 6-for-6 on-field goals this season, Rauschenberg firmly secures his place among the top kickers in the league, tied for second-most field goals without a miss.
Photo Cred: Lou Groza award
These extraordinary performances by Harrison Mevis, Jose Pizano, and Noah Rauschenberg exemplify the skill and composure that define the recipients of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award. Each kicker’s ability to rise to the occasion and secure their team’s victories through clutch field goals reinforces their status as stars.
