Top 10 Best Kickers in College Football 2025-2026 Rankings
Ranking the best kickers in College Football for the 2025 NCAA season as Tate Sandell of the Oklahoma Sooners leads the way
Few positions in college football balance pressure and precision like the kicker. Each Saturday, these specialists decide games with the swing of a leg, often under immense spotlight when everything’s on the line. The art of kicking isn’t just about distance; it’s timing, consistency, and mental toughness, forged in the chaos of close finishes and national title chases. Entering Week 15 of the 2025 NCAA season, the Top 10 Best Kickers in College Football 2025 rankings list is loaded with talented kickers.
The nation’s best have combined booming range with nerves of steel, separating contenders from the rest of the pack.,This year’s class of kickers might be the deepest we’ve seen in a decade. From Tate Sandell of the Oklahoma Sooners to Trey SMack of the Florida Gators to Peyton Woodring of the Georgia Bulldogs. It’s been a season defined by clutch performances, narrow margins, and game-winning boots that shaped conference title races. Whether playing in front of 90,000 in the SEC or in frigid Big Ten weather, these players continue to deliver under pressure, showcasing what makes elite college kickers so invaluable.
One thing for sure, many of the top college football programs are anchored by specialists who can hit from 50-plus with confidence and consistency. As you start to look around at the best kickers in college football this season, each are game changers each time they step out on the football field. Here is a look at the Top 10 Best Kickers in College Football 2025 rankings list.
Honorable Mention
Drew Stevens
School: Iowa Hawkeyes
Coming up just short of the Top 10 Best kickers in College Football 2025 rankings list is the Iowa Hawkeyes senior Drew Stevens.
Stevens has been as solid as any kicker in college over the past four seasons nailing at least 16 kicks in each season including tying his career high with 20 field goals this season. Through Week 14, Stevens has connected on 20 of 26 of his field goal attempts, including a career long 58-yard attempt setting a team record. His leg strength allows the Hawkeyes to stay confident past midfield, an invaluable asset for a defensive-minded team that often relies on tight field position battles.
Despite missing six attempts during the regular season, the Hawkeyes kicker connected on four of six attempts of at least 50 yards as well as five of eight from between 40 and 49 yards.
Lucas Carneiro
School: Ole Miss Rebels
Another talented kicker that earns honorable mention among the best kickers in college football is Lucas Carneiro of the Ole Miss Rebels.
Camerio has quietly become one of the most efficient kickers in the SEC, converting 22 of 25 field goals and 48 of 48 extra points. While Ole Miss’s high-powered offense often limits his field goal volume, Carneiro shines when called upon, especially from 45 yards and beyond. His calm demeanor has earned Lane Kiffin’s trust in crunch time, with several clutch kicks keeping the Rebels in close SEC matchups.
Carneiro’s smooth, straightforward kicking motion and dependable follow-through have made him a steady presence in Oxford. With a strong finish to bowl season, he’s poised to enter the 2026 season among the nation’s top returning kickers in college.
Top 10 Best Kickers in College Football 2025-2026 Rankings
10. Chris Ferrin
School: UConn Huskies
Rounding out the TOp 10 Best Kickers in College Football 2025 rankings list is the UConn Huskies senior Chris Freeman.
Freeman has been one of the brightest spots in UConn’s rebuilding effort, showing off both accuracy and poise under pressure. Through Week 14, Freeman has gone 22 of 25 on field goals, including connecting on nine of 11 from 40 plus yards this season. His ability to convert in poor conditions; a necessity in chilly New England has kept the Huskies competitive all season. In addition the Huskies kicker has connected on 51 of 51 extra point attempts this season.
Though UConn’s success this season won’t turn heads, Freeman’s performance has solidified him as one of the most underrated kickers in college football.
9. Damian Ramos
School: LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers have had a rocky season leading to the firing of former head coach Brian Kelly and the hiring of Lane Kiffin.
Despite the ups and down all season one bright spot that continues to contribute week in and week out is Damian Ramos. Ramos heads into the team’s bowl game ranked second in the country with 24 field goals connected while also hitting 24 of 25 extra point attempts. The talented senior has posted an 85.7 percent accuracy rate this season while connecting on 10 of 11 from 40 to 49 yards and two of four from 50 plus yards.
His strong close to the regular season kept LSU’s offense moving efficiently in the red zone when drives stalled.
8. Will Ferrin
School: BYU Cougars
The BYU Cougars Will Ferrin has quietly built an exceptional year as one of the most dependable kickers in the Big 12.
The senior owns a 78.6 percent make rate on 28 attempts this season, thriving in altitude and under high-pressure environments. Known for his elite consistency and quick rhythm, Ferrin delivers tight spins with impressive ball flight control. He’s been flawless under 40 yards and has connected on two kicks from beyond 40 yards, and four kicks from behind 50 yards. The Cougars’ special teams have leaned heavily on Ferrin during close matchups, including his game-winner in overtime against UCF.
His mix of experience, discipline, and reliability has kept the Cougars in the College Football Playoffs all season long.
7. Aidan Birr
School: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets were one of the bright and unexpected teams in the country for most of the season.
One of those players that played a huge role in the team’s success all season is kicker Aidan Birr. The talented junior kicker has been as good as any kicker in the country connecting on 89.3 percent of his field goal attempts. Overall the third year kicker is currently tied for the most field goals made in the country with 25 Including connecting on all 17 of his attempts from 39 and below.
In addition Birr has made seven of eight attempts from between 40 and 49 yards. Despite the strong season, the only thing holding the Yellow Jackets star from a Top 5 ranking is his success past 50 yards connecting on just one of three attempts this season.
Birr’s breakout has helped elevate Georgia Tech into one of the ACC’s most well-rounded teams.
6. Nico Radicic
School: Indiana Hoosiers
One of the biggest storylines of the 2025 College Football season has been the success of the Indiana Hoosiers who have rolled to a 12-0 record to start the season.
A team built around strong play on all aspects of the game including special teams, the Hoosiers have been flawless. One of those Hoosiers stars putting together a strong season is the sophomore kicker Nico Radicic. Radicic has been perfect on the season connecting on all 13 field goal attempts and all 70 extra point attempts.
While Radicic has been brilliant, the lack of attempts and failure to attempt a kick of at least 50 yards or greater limits his overall ranking. Radicic is the definition of clutch, and his growth in 2025 has transformed the Hoosiers’ special teams. His all-around game cements him among the Big Ten’s elite as well as among the best kickers in College Football.
5. Trey Smack
School: Florida Gators
One of the most powerful legs in the nation belongs to the Florida Gators kicker Trey Smack.
The Florida senior has become nearly automatic past midfield, boasting five conversions from 50-plus yards this season helping him to land among the Top 10 Best Kickers in COllege Football 2025 rankings list. With 18 field goals on 22 attempts through Week 14, Smack’s 81.8 percent accuracy ranks among the best within all SEC starters. His booming leg has flipped field position multiple times, enabling Florida to play more aggressively in close games. Smack’s poise under pressure also defines his season.
In addition to the five field goals of 50 plus yards, Smack also connected on five of six attempts from between 40 and 49 yards this season. Combining elite leg strength, balance, and accuracy, he’s poised to be one of college football’s top NFL prospects at his position.
4. Patrick Durkin
School: Tulane Green Wave
As you start to look around at the top kickers in the country, Patrick Durkin is one of those kickers who is well deserving.
While the Tulane Green Wave typically go under the radar when it comes to football, this season the team is off to an impressive 10-2 record while being ranked 20th in the country. One player on the Green Wave that has put together a strong season is the talented red-shirt freshman Durkin. Durkin has been nearly perfect this season connecting on 91.7 percent of kicks including nailing 22 of 24 on the season including four of five attempts from 50 plus yards.
His consistency helped Tulane stay in the AAC title race, with clutch late-game conversions against Memphis and UTSA. While he doesn’t always receive the national spotlight, Durkin’s precision and leadership have made him one of the most polished kickers at the Group of Five level. His 2025 campaign mirrors Tulane’s balanced excellence.
3. Peyton Woodring
School: Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia’s Peyton Woodring continues to build his résumé as one of the most polished kickers in college football.
Coming off a stellar 2024 campaign, Woodring raised his game in 2025, knocking through 15-of-16 field goals while posting a 93.8 field goal percentage mark. What sets Woodring apart is his game-day focus and maturity; he seems unfazed by pressure, even when kicking under the brightest lights. From 50 yards and longer, he’s converted three of three attempts, including a 53-yarder.
Woodring’s combination of power, pre-snap discipline, and unwavering confidence has established him as the gold standard for collegiate kickers. The Georgia Bulldog kicker has also connected on all 46 of his field goal attempts this season.
2. Kansei Matsuzawa
School: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors boast one of the most intriguing talents in college football in kicker Kansei Matsuzawa.
The Tokyo native has thrilled fans with his long-range ability and unflappable composure, connecting on 25 of 26 field goals this season. Matsuzawa displayed poise all season long, tying an FBS record making his first 25 field goals of the season. Matsuzawa remains near-perfect inside 45 yards, missing just one of 25 attempts as well as his only 50 plus yard kick.
His calm, rhythmic kicking motion and quick acceleration through the ball showcase NFL-level mechanics. Matsuzawa’s excellence has turned Hawaii’s special teams from an afterthought into a legitimate advantage every week.
1. Tate Sandell

School: Oklahoma Sooners
Landing at the top of the Top 10 Best Kickers in College Football rankings list is the Oklahoma Sooners junior Tate Sandell.
Sandell has been nearly perfect all season after transferring into the Sooners this season. As the Sooners make a run at a deep College Football playoff run, Sandell has played a key role in their success all season. On the season, Sandell has connected on 23 of his 24 attempts. Among those 23 made field goals, Sandell was a perfect seven of seven from 50 plus yards including a career long 55 yard field goal.
Beyond the theatrics, his statistical dominance is undeniable: a 95.6 percent field goal conversion rate with elite range and consistency. Sandell’s ability to stay calm in high-stress environments reflects exceptional preparation and focus. Simply put, he’s the nation’s most complete and confident kicker in 2025. The strong performance lands the Sooners kicker at the top of the Lou Groza Award race heading into the final weeks of the season.
How would you rank the Best College Kickers in the 2025-2026 BCS season? Rank below to be added in the NCAA Power Rankings

Sunday Umoh is the visionary founder and CEO of Fan Rankings LLC, a platform that merges sports passion with technology to create an engaging and interactive space for fans worldwide. With a background in Information Science and Systems and experience as a Software Engineer, Umoh has built a brand that blends analytical insights with emotional connection, offering unique coverage of Football, Basketball, MMA, and Boxing. A graduate of Morgan State University and a former collegiate Track and Field athlete, Umoh previously gained attention for his impactful Washington Wizards blog, fireerniegrunfeld.com. His journey exemplifies how technology can amplify sports fandom, with Fan Rankings setting a new standard in sports media, providing a community for fans to connect, debate, and celebrate their favorite teams and athletes.
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