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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State redshirt junior Ryan Barker was selected to the Lou Groza Award watch list on Friday.
The Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker award is presented to the nation's best collegiate kicker.
Ryan Barker · R-Jr. · K · 6-2 · 191 · Landenberg, Pa. · Kennett
Groza
Selected All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media in 2024 and 2025.
Earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2024.
Ranks first all-time at Penn State in field goal percentage (89.2) and 14th in field goals made (33).
Sits seventh in PAT percentage (97.9) and 10th in PATs made (92).
In 2025, converted 18-of-19 field goal attempts (94.7), with a long of 49 yards, and was 44-of-45 on extra points.
Tied for the nation's lead in field goal percentage (94.7).
Broke PSU season record for field goal percentage.
The Lou Groza Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
The Lou Groza Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on Tuesday, November 17 and the three finalists for the award, announced on Tuesday, November 24. The 35th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, recognizes the three finalists during a celebration in Palm Beach County, culminating with a banquet gala on December 7th in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Nittany Lions On Award Watch Lists
Ryan Barker – Groza
Rocco Becht – Maxwell
Benjamin Brahmer – Mackey
Gabe Burkle – Mackey
Brock Riker – Rimington Trophy
Tony Rojas – Lott IMPACT Trophy
Blaise Sokach-Minnick – Mannelly