Wisconsin kicker named to Lou Groza Award watch list
Wisconsin kicker Nathanial Vakos was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list yesterday. The award is given out annually to the best place-kicker in college football.
Vakos transferred to Wisconsin from Ohio this offseason, part of the sizable transfer class brought in by Head Coach Luke Fickell. The Ohio native made 22 of 27 field goals for the Bobcats last year, including 9/9 from inside 30 yards, 8/9 from 30-40 yards, 3/5 from 40-50 and 2/4 from 50+.
His inclusion is a welcome boost to the team this season, as the Badgers made only 70% of their field goals last season, including an infamous pair of misses to cost the team a win against Washington State.
Just kickin’ it @nathanial_vakos is on the watch for 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿 ☝️ pic.twitter.com/CWlhO9kE6f
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 2, 2023
Vakos will look to become the first Badger to win the award. Other notable Big Ten winners include Michigan’s Jake Moody in 2021, Maryland’s Brad Craddock in 2014, Ohio State’s Mike Nugent in 2004, Iowa’s Nate Kaeding in 2002.
