WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Texas Tech senior Gino Garcia has been named a semifinalist for the 2024 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, as announced Tuesday by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Garcia is one of 20 kickers honored for the prestigious award, which annually recognizes the top place-kicker in college football.
Garcia has set the standard for consistency this season, ranking fourth in the FBS for field goal percentage among kickers with at least 10 attempts. He has successfully converted 15-of-16 field goal attempts, with his only miss being a 53-yard try into the wind against Colorado. Before the miss, Garcia set a new school record with 16 consecutive made field goals, a streak that began in 2023 and surpassed the previous record of 13.
Garcia remains perfect on all attempts from 49 yards or fewer, going 14-for-14 this season, including 3-of-3 from 40-49 yards. He is also 1-for-2 on kicks from 50 yards or longer, with a season-long of 53 yards.
Garcia joins an elite group of seven FBS kickers connecting at a 90% or higher success rate on at least 15 attempts. Other semifinalists include:
- Alex Raynor (Kentucky): 15-for-15
- Jonah Delange (UAB): 19-for-20
- Woodring (South Alabama): 16-for-17
- Laith Marjan (South Alabama): 15-for-16
- Kenneth Almendares (Louisiana): 22-for-24
- Jonathan Kim (Michigan State): 18-for-20
A panel of voters comprising FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former finalists, and current NFL kickers will determine the three finalists, to be announced on Nov. 26. The finalists will be honored at the 33rd annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Banquet on Dec. 9 in Palm Beach County. The winner will be revealed live on ESPN during the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12.
The award is named for NFL Hall of Famer Lou "The Toe" Groza, who revolutionized the role of kickers in professional football. Since its inception in 1992, the award has recognized 32 finalists and 17 winners who have gone on to NFL careers, including notable players like Daniel Carlson, Jake Elliott, and Younghoe Koo.
Garcia looks to become the first Red Raider to claim the prestigious award as he continues to shine in his standout senior season.
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