Panikowski Won Everything Else, Now He’s an Early Favorite for Lou Graza Award

With so much change this offseason, it probably slipped under the radar that Oklahoma State added one of the nation’s best kickers.

On Friday, Idaho State transfer Gabe Panikowski took one of 30 spots on the watch list for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s best kicker at the FBS level.

In fact, Panikowski was the only kicker on the list to make every field goal attempt last season.

Nine of his kicks came between 30 and 39, and three were closer. Yet, when called upon at longer distances, Panikowski didn’t disappoint, knocking down three more field goals, including a 55-yarder, which was officially the second-longest kick at the FCS level.

For his efforts, Panikowski received the Fred Mitchell Award, given annually to the best kicker at virtually every other level of football (FCS, D-II, D-III, NAIA, NJCAA).

The Groza Award will announce 20 semifinalists on Nov. 18.