Graham Nicholson clinches 2023 Lou Groza Award: The 2023 Lou Groza Award, honoring the best kicker in college football, was presented during the College Football Awards show on ESPN. The contenders included Alabama’s Will Reichard, UNLV’s Jose Pizano, and Miami (Ohio)’s Graham Nicholson. Ultimately, Nicholson emerged victorious, showcasing an outstanding season with near-perfect accuracy.
Nicholson’s remarkable performance for Miami (Ohio) featured 26 successful field goals out of 27 attempts, leading the nation for kickers with more than 20 tries. His consistent excellence earned him a spot on the All-American team recognized by CBS Sports. Nicholson’s reliability extended to special teams versatility, with 113 punts during the season.
Reflecting on his achievement, Nicholson admitted that the only missed field goal, which occurred in the MAC Championship, would linger with him “until the day I die.” Despite tough competition from Reichard, who became the NCAA’s all-time points leader during the SEC Championship, and Pizano, who had an impressive debut season at UNLV, Nicholson secured the prestigious Lou Groza Award.
Nicholson’s journey in football took an unconventional path, as he didn’t start playing until high school, having been a basketball player previously. When asked how his younger self would react to winning the award, Nicholson expressed pride, stating, “This is everything I’ve been working for, so this feels amazing.”
Drawing parallels between kickers and golfers, Nick Saban has emphasized the importance of maintaining the right mindset. Nicholson shared his approach, emphasizing the challenge of a long season and the need to focus on one kick at a time for success.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who won the Lou Groza award this year?
Graham Nicholson, a graduate of Summit Country Day, has clinched the prestigious Lou Groza Award as the kicker for Miami University.
Who votes on the Lou Groza Award?
Chosen by a group of over 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers, this year’s top contenders will be celebrated at the 32nd annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on December 4th in Palm Beach County.