OU's Tate Sandell wins Lou Groza Award as college football's top kicker
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
NORMAN — OU kicker Tate Sandell has won the Lou Groza Award, it was announced on Friday.
Sandell won the award, which recognizes the nation’s best kicker, over other finalists, Hawaii’s Kansei Matsuzawa and Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr.
The UTSA transfer made 23 of his 24 field-goal attempts for the Sooners during the regular season. He has made each of his last 23 attempts, a single-season program and SEC record.
The Port Neches, Texas, native also won SEC Special Teams Player of the Year and was a first team All-SEC selection.
Sandell has gained a reputation for having a big leg, making 7 of his 7 attempts from 50-plus yards and 10 of his 10 attempts from 45-plus yards this season.
OU coach Brent Venables called Sandell the MVP of the Sooners' road win over Tennessee when he drilled two field goals from 55 yards, as well as a 51-yarder and one from 40.
“It's just about winning games and making kicks, that’s just a byproduct of our work," Sandell said Wednesday of potentially winning the national award. "If that happens, that’s great.”
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
OU vs. Alabama
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at Gaylord Family — Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman (ABC/ESPN)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football kicker Tate Sandell wins 2025 Lou Groza Award
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos