College Football Kicker Awards Unveil 2026 Preseason Watch Lists

The Fred Mitchell Award, which honors the top kicker among FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA programs, released its 2026 preseason watch list. Senior Brysen Gardner of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is one of 39 kickers named, joining fellow Southland Conference kicker Ozlo Rigby and representing the FCS tier.

The Lou Groza Collegiate Place‑Kicker Award announced its 2026 preseason watch list on its 35th anniversary. Oklahoma senior Tate Sandell headlines the 35‑player list, aiming to become the second repeat winner in the award’s history. The list also includes Georgia Tech senior Aidan Birr and other top FBS kickers who posted high field‑goal totals and accuracy last season.