Are College Kickers Actually Good? The Most Clutch Legs of 2025 So Far
For the first time in what feels like years, college football kickers are making headlines for the right reasons. Gone are the days when they were best known for missed extra points and short field goal mishaps. Instead, we are seeing consistency, power, and most importantly, game-changing accuracy. Early-season stars usually come from flashy quarterbacks or dominant edge rushers, but the most underappreciated group in football has quietly delivered. College kickers are not just holding their own in 2025; they are winning games.
Take John Love from Virginia Tech, who nailed a 56-yard field goal at the end of the first half against 13th-ranked South Carolina in Week One. This kick tied the record for the longest field goal in Aflac Kickoff Game history and helped keep the Hokies competitive throughout the remaining two quarters. In that same week, Kansei Matsuzawa from Hawaii connected on a 38-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to upset Stanford 23-20. This victory marked Hawaii’s first over a Power Five opponent since 2019, showing how crucial and reliable kicking can be in historic wins.
Week Two also featured some clutch kicking moments that changed the outcomes of games. Nico Gramatica from South Florida hit a twenty-yard field goal as time expired to secure an eighteen to sixteen upset win over Florida. That kick was USF’s first game-winning field goal since 2018, highlighting the growing strength of their special teams unit. Meanwhile, Kyle Konrardy of Iowa State drilled a 54-yard field goal in the final seconds to beat Iowa 16-13, securing the Cy-Hawk trophy for the second straight year. Fresno State’s Dylan Lynch was equally impressive, converting a 43-yard field goal with less than 30 seconds left to seal a 36-27 victory over Oregon State.
In a sport often dominated by offensive stars and defensive heroes, these kickers are quietly changing the game. Their ability to deliver under pressure and make long-distance field goals is a reminder that every point counts. As the 2025 season unfolds, expect these clutch legs to continue playing a pivotal role in their team’s success. It is time to give college kickers the respect they deserve.
