You Won't Believe What Led Tate Sandell to Snag the Lou Groza Award - Shocking Details Inside!

NORMAN, Okla. - In a historic moment for the University of Oklahoma, redshirt junior Tate Sandell has been named the recipient of the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, marking the first time an OU player has received this honor. The announcement was made during The Home Depot College Football Awards show broadcast live on ESPN on Friday night. The Groza Award, now in its 34th year, is overseen by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and presented by the Orange Bowl.

Sandell emerged as a standout among three finalists, which included Aiden Birr from Georgia Tech and Kansei Matsuzawa from Hawaii. His remarkable performance during the 2025 season has solidified his status as not only the best kicker in college football but also as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year and a member of the All-SEC First Team as chosen by league coaches and media.

Throughout the season, Sandell has set or tied eight records across various categories, including career and single-season marks for the program, the conference, and the FBS. “Every kicker dreams of winning the Lou Groza Award, so I’m deeply honored to be this year’s recipient,” Sandell stated. “I watch the presentation every year, so being able to have my name etched into the history books as a Groza Award winner and to be recognized as one of the best kickers for a legendary Oklahoma program is nothing short of God’s great work.” He expressed gratitude to his family and coaches, particularly Coach Doug Deakin and Coach Brent Venables, for their support and trust in his abilities.

Sandell's stats this season are impressive: he is 23 for 24 on field goal attempts, having made his last 23 in a row, which has set a school and single-season SEC record. He has also successfully nailed all seven field goals from 50 yards or more, a feat matched by only one other player this season. His performance includes a perfect 10 for 10 on field goals from 45 yards and beyond. Sandell holds the record for the most 55-plus yard field goals made in a season at four, and he leads the country with an average make distance of 41.8 yards.

The Port Neches, Texas native is particularly noted for his consistency and power, becoming one of only two kickers since 1995 to convert at least seven 50-plus yard field goals without a miss. This season, he has also made a record-breaking 15 field goals of 40 yards or more, surpassing the previous program record of nine. Sandell’s prowess was on full display during a game against Tennessee, where he tied a school single-game record with four field goals, including kicks of 55 and 51 yards.

Throughout the season, Sandell’s contributions have been vital to the Sooners’ success, scoring 101 of the team’s 317 points—about 32% of the total. His impact was particularly evident during November, where he accounted for 26 of OU’s 56 points in wins over Tennessee and Alabama.

As the Sooners, now ranked No. 8 with a record of 10-2 and 6-2 in the SEC, prepare for the upcoming College Football Playoff First Round, they will face their fellow conference rival, No. 9 Alabama, who holds a record of 10-3 and 7-1 in the SEC. The game is scheduled for Friday, December 19, at 7 p.m. CT at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and will be broadcast on both ABC and ESPN.

In a broader context, Sandell's achievement is a testament to the evolving role of kickers in college football, a position that has historically been underestimated. As the game becomes increasingly competitive, the importance of reliable kicking cannot be overstated. With his historic accomplishments this season, Sandell not only elevates his personal career but also sets a new standard for future kickers at Oklahoma and beyond.