Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell wins Lou Groza Award

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The Oklahoma Sooners went 10-2 in 2025 and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time since 2019. When they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on Friday night in Norman, the Sooners will deploy one of the best weapons in college football: Tate Sandell. Sandell was named the Lou Groza Award winner on Friday night, marking the first time an Oklahoma Sooner has won the award.

Sandell beat out Georgia Tech’s Aidan Birr and Hawaii’s Kansei Matsuzawa with an MVP-like season for the playoff-bound Sooners.

After missing his first kick in the crimson and cream in the season opener against Illinois State, Sandell went on to hit a school and SEC record 23-straight field goals to finish the regular season 23 of 24. That includes a school record of four made field goals of 55 or more yards. His seven field goals of 50 or more yards lead the nation, and Sandell is 10 of 10 on attempts of 45 yards or more. Sandell also set an OU record for field goals made beyond 40 yards with 15. The previous record was nine.

He had an incredible performance in the win over Tennessee in Knoxville. Sandell was 4 of 4 with three made field goals from beyond 50 yards. He hit the go-ahead field goal in the fourth quarter to help the Sooners beat Alabama.

“Every kicker dreams of winning the Lou Groza Award, so I’m deeply honored to be this year’s recipient,” said Sandell. “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 of one of the best kickers for a legendary Oklahoma program is nothing short of God’s great work. He continues to work miracles in my life every day and gets all the credit. I also credit my parents, brother, sister, girlfriend, and grandparents. They have shaped me into the person I am today and continue to challenge and support me.

“I’m also incredibly grateful to Coach (Doug) Deakin and Coach (Brent) Venables for entrusting my leg to do the job. And winning this award would never have happened without my incredible teammates, especially long snapper Ben Anderson and holder Jacob Ulrich. The three of us have an amazing bond on and off the field, and they are equally responsible for the success of our kicking unit. I’m excited to continue my amazing season with all my teammates and coaches.”

During his incredible debut season for the Sooners, Sandell was named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week three times and earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Year. He’s been clutch this season and has been a big reason why the Sooners have been able to take a defensive approach in games. Whenever Oklahoma’s offense or defense has been able to get the ball across the 50, Sandell has paid it off with his strong leg and his consistency.

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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Tate Sandell honored as college football’s best kicker

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