Evaluating NCAA Kickers: A Comprehensive Ranking Analysis

The role of a kicker in college football is often understated, yet their performance can significantly impact a team's success. This article delves into a comprehensive analysis of NCAA kickers, focusing on their rankings and evaluations. By examining recent transfer portal activity and performance metrics, we aim to provide a clear understanding of the kicking landscape in college football.

Recent Transfer Portal Activity

The transfer portal has become a significant factor in college football, allowing players to move between programs with greater ease. This has led to increased movement among specialists, including kickers. Here's a look at some recent commitments:

Sam Johnson (USC)
Trent Middleton (Michigan)
John Hohl (Nebraska)
Ian Wagner (Arizona)
Lorcan Quinn (Marshall)
Morgan Suarez (JMU)
Carter Jula (Nevada)
Ryan Hawk (New Mexico State)
Cole Marszalek (Jacksonville State)
Joshua McCormick (Middle Tennessee)
Jack Cassidy (WKU)
Max Bartachek (Northern Iowa)
Malik Orsan (SEMO)
Conor McAneney (Quincy)
Conor Donaghy (Jacksonville State)
Adam Saul (Ball State)
Jaren Van Winkle (UT Martin)
Steven Earnest (RMU)
Jaxson Dunn (Arkansas State)
Chance Gagnon (West Georgia)
Owen Lawson (Albany)
Ryan Lewis (Fresno State)
Ryan Dikover (Pacific Lutheran)
Devin Orr (EKU)
Cade Dowd (Pittsburgh)
Diaz Diaz-Nicholas (Virginia)
Trent Baker (McNeese State)

These commitments reflect the ongoing changes in college football programs, as teams aim to bolster their special teams units.

Ranked Kickers: An Overview

The following list includes college transfers and unsigned seniors evaluated post-Signing Day. Athletes not seen within nine months may be removed from the rankings.

Athletes seen as of March 2025## Updated January 2026

3.5 Stars

Fernandez, Leonardo (TX, 2025)
Hulsey, Whitaker (GA, 2025)
Jones, Gerald (IN, 2024)

3 Stars

Hernandez, Maximilian (GA, 2025)

Detailed Evaluations of Top Kickers

5-Star Kickers

1. Malik Orsan (MO, 2025)

Malik Orsan, a 2025 specialist, showcased his abilities at the December 2025 Kohl's Midwest Winter Showcase in Chicago. He stood out as one of the more college-ready prospects, scoring 15 points in field goal charting and earning 111.15 points in kickoff charting. His longest kickoff measured 72 yards with a hang time of 4 seconds. Orsan also excelled at the 2024 Kohl's Southern Winter Showcase, winning the upperclassman field goal competition with 14 out of 15 points. His consistent performance marks him as one of the nation’s elite prospects.

2. Chance Gagnon (FL, 2021)

Chance Gagnon participated in the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase in January and is considered among the more powerful athletes in the transfer rankings. He tied for first in the field goal competition finals with a 59-yard field goal. In punt charting, he recorded 98.9 total points and a best punt of 52 yards with 4.2 seconds of hang time. Kickoff charting results indicated 119.4 points and a top kickoff of 85 yards with 3.6 seconds. Gagnon's powerful leg and potential for further development make him a promising kicker.

3. James Holt (CA, 2025)

At the 2025 Kohl's Western Winter Showcase in Phoenix, James Holt demonstrated both power and control. He earned 9 points in field goal charting and 116 points in kickoff charting, with a top ball of 77 yards and a hang time of 4.1 seconds. His performance indicates a skill set well-suited for college football.

4. Daniel Leahy (INTL, 2023)

Daniel Leahy had a strong performance at the 2025 Kohl's College Showcase in October. The athlete from Ireland displayed a powerful leg, suitable for a kickoff specialist at a Power 4 program. He hit multiple kickoffs from 68-69 yards into a 20-30 MPH wind and nearly 80 yards with the wind. He made 7 field goals during the event, showing promise as a developing field goal kicker.

5. Michael Smith (FL, 2023)

Michael Smith has consistently performed well at Kohl's events and has experience at the D1 level, having kicked off for FAMU. He finished top 20 in kickoff yards per attempt among specialists. His field goal accuracy has improved, making him a strong contender for a job at the D1 FBS level.

6. Peter McStavick (INTL, 2018)

Pete McStavick, an Irish athlete new to the game, possesses a Power 4 kickoff leg. At the 2025 Kohl's College Ranking Event in October, he hit multiple kickoffs that reached 70 and 80 yards, even into a strong wind. He also scored 7 field goals during the event, showcasing his potential as a Power 4 field goal kicker.

Read also: Crafting Your NCAA Profile

7. Harvey Doleman (INTL, 2018)

Harvey Doleman attended the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase, demonstrating his place among the top recruits in the transfer portal. He tied for first in the final field goal competition and tied for second in field goal charting. On kickoffs, he averaged 115.2 yards with a top hit of 79 yards and a hang time of 3.7 seconds. In punts, he achieved an average of 104.0 yards with a best of 60 yards and a hang time of 3.7 seconds. Doleman's repeatable power makes him a top-performing combo specialist.

8. Grandin Willcox (FL, 2022)

Grandin Willcox stood out at the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase in Dallas. He demonstrated impressive power in field goals during the final competition and recorded 8 points in charting. His kickoff charting totaled 113.8 points, with a best kick of 79 yards and a hang time of 3.7 seconds. His improvements and hard work have positioned him among the top specialists in the transfer rankings.

9. Nolan Krinsky (TX, 2022)

Nolan Krinsky delivered a dominant performance at the 2025 Kohl’s Western Spring Showcase. He made 12 field goals during the charting session and posted an elite 124.05 kickoff score, with an "A" ball of 85 yards and 3.92 seconds of hang time. He also excelled in punting, earning a 105.72 overall score. Krinsky’s premier leg talent and consistency make him a standout.

10. Brendan Baird (NM, 2022)

At the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase, Brendan Baird proved his abilities rank among the top available transfers. He recorded 6 points on field goals and earned a kickoff charting score of 111.1, with a best ball of 76 yards and a hang time of 3.6 seconds. Baird has shown he can compete with elite competition.

11. Thomas Oneill (NY, 2025)

Thomas Oneill’s performance at the 2025 Kohl's Texas Winter Showcase was consistent and well-rounded. He finished 7th in field goals with 11 points and posted an impressive score of 106.67 in punts, including a top ball of 64 yards and a hang time of 4.5 seconds. At the 2024 Kohl's Western Winter Showcase, he charted a top kickoff of 69 yards with 3.8 seconds of hang time. Oneill's technique and consistency highlight his collegiate-level strength and ability.

4.5-Star Kickers

12. Nicholas Sandoval (CA, 2025)

Nicholas Sandoval competed at the 2025 Winter Ranking Event in Los Angeles, connecting on 11 field goal points and scoring 105 points during kickoffs. His biggest kickoff traveled 70 yards with 3.75 seconds of hang time. He performs well in competitive settings, which should translate to college football.

13. Brock Bergman (FL, 2024)

Brock Bergman had a strong showing at the 2025 Kohl's College Ranking Event, demonstrating the potential to be a Power 4 field goal kicker. He made 9 field goals and showed the ability to drive a football into the wind.

14. Stafford Roditis (TN, 2024, UT-Martin)

At the 2025 Kohl's College Ranking Event, Stafford Roditis made 10 field goals, kicking into a strong wind. His kickoffs reached 73 yards with the wind. Roditis is a promising field goal prospect who should compete for a spot at a collegiate program.

15. Vasilios Fotopoulos (FL, 2024)

Vasilios Fotopoulos’s charting results at the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase demonstrate his dedication. He produced 6 points on field goals and charted 105.2 on kickoffs, with a longest ball of 73 yards and a hang time of 3.4 seconds. He has shown progress since the 2022 Kohl's Texas Winter Showcase, improving across all kicking disciplines.

16. Noah Turner (TX, 2025)

At the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase, Noah Turner earned 5 points during the field goal phase and scored 102.15 points in kickoff charting, with a top ball of 69 yards and a hang time of 3.6 seconds. His refined technique should attract attention from college programs.

17. Wyatt Martin (TN, 2024)

Wyatt Martin looked strong at the 2026 Kohl's Transfer Showcase, earning 5 points in field goal charting and adding 100.3 points in kickoffs. His top ball was 65 yards with a hang time of 3.6 seconds. He also showed his skills at the 2023 Kohl's National Scholarship Camp, showcasing strong leg speed.

18. Jai'den Fletcher (TX, 2024)

Fletcher competed at the 2025 Kohl’s Texas Spring Showcase, making 10 field goals and earning an impressive 109.35 kickoff score. His best kickoff traveled 74 yards with 3.65 seconds of hang time. He also performed well in punting, scoring 100.31 overall.

19. Ryan Dikover (FL, 2019)

Ryan Dikover had a great performance at the 2025 Kohl's Southern Winter Showcase in Atlanta, demonstrating reliable mechanics and composure. He finished field goal charting with 11 points and added 107.3 points in kickoff charting, achieving a best ball of 71 yards and a hang time of 3.8 seconds.

20. Tristan Naifeh (VA, 2025)

Naifeh competed at the 2025 Kohl's Texas Spring Showcase, connecting on 9 field goals and earning an overall kickof score of 111.60. His best ball traveled 76 yards with 3.90 seconds of hang time. Naifeh displayed good leg speed.

21. Alex Henslee (CA, 2024)

The 2025 Kohl's Western Winter Showcase provided Alex Henslee with an opportunity to demonstrate his continued progress. During the field goal charting phase, he scored 7 points, while his kickoff charting showed a best ball of 67 yards with a hang time of 4.2 seconds.

22. Charlie Parke (AZ, 2025)

Charlie Parke had a strong charting performance at the 2025 Kohl's Western Winter Showcase, scoring 11 points in field goal charting and 104.3 in kickoff charting, with his best ball measuring 67 yards and a hang time of 4 seconds.

Analyzing Kicker Performance: Value Added Methodology

One method for evaluating kicker performance is the "Value Added" approach. This involves calculating the actual value of a kicker's field goals compared to the expected value based on distance.

Value Added Calculation

Actual Value: FGM (Field Goals Made) * Actual Point Value of Kick
Expected Value: FGA (Field Goals Attempted) * Expected Point Value of Kick
Added Value: Actual Value - Expected Value

For example, consider Cincinnati kicker Nathan Hawks' 2024 season. By comparing his actual performance to expected values, his added value can be determined, providing a more nuanced assessment of his contributions.

First Half FBS Kicker Rankings

An analysis of the first half of the 2025 FBS season reveals interesting trends and standout performers.

Top Performers

Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawai'i): Leading the field with 9.8 points of Added Value, Matsuzawa has been impeccable, going 16 for 16.
Jackson Kleather (Bowling Green): Cementing his runner-up spot with an exceptionally good season.
Aidan Birr: Moving up to 3rd with a perfect 10 for 10 streak.
David Olano: Showing the most impressive redemption arc, moving from 105th to 4th after going 8/8 in recent weeks.

Bottom Performers

Denis Lynch: Holding the bottom spot with a 4/10 start to the season.
Owen Wiley (Akron): As "runner-up", Wiley's misses are primarily from longer distances, but the Akron coach's decision to keep using him is questionable.
Jai Patel (Rutgers): Experiencing the largest fall, down 97 spots after missing kicks from close range.
Dylan Lynch (Fresno State): Despite a decent percentage, his low average distance and missed short kicks contribute to his low ranking.
Braeden McAlister (Georgia State): Consistently faced with difficult long-distance attempts.

Key Observations from the 2025 Season

Conversion Rate: The overall field goal conversion rate across the FBS has remained steady at 77%.
Accuracy Trends: Accuracy decreases as distance increases, with a notable dip between 40-44 and 45-49 yards.
Overvalued Kicks: Kicks from 45-55 yards may be overvalued, given historical accuracy rates.
Movement in Rankings: Significant movement in the rankings indicates the dynamic nature of kicker performance throughout the season.
Correlation: Limited correlation between average distance and Added Value, suggesting coaching strategies and kicker range understanding play a crucial role.

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