The ACC is chock-full of elite talents, including at kicker and punter. However, two programs stand above the rest on the 2024 ACC K/P Rankings, and both reside in the Sunshine State.
ACC 2024 K/P Rankings
10) Daniel Sparks, P, Virginia Cavaliers
Daniel Sparks routinely gets some of the longest hangtimes on his punts, but his coverage unit let him down last season. Following a 45.9-yard average and 26.1% inside the 15-yard-line rate in 2022, leading to a second-team All-ACC selection, his numbers fell to 42.9 and 15.6% in 2023.
With some positive regression from the rest of the special teams unit, Sparks could land on an All-ACC team once again this year.
9) Will Bettridge, K, Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia is coming off back-to-back three-win campaigns, but don’t blame Will Bettridge. He connected on all 31 of his extra points and 18 of 21 field goals, with two of his misses coming from 40+ yards. He doesn’t have the biggest leg at 5’10” and 175 pounds, which is why he hasn’t attempted a 50+ yarder in his career.
Regardless, Bettridge is accurate within his range and is a steady presence in unsteady waters.
8) Dylan Joyce, P, Miami Hurricanes
A native Australian, Dylan Joyce put opposing punt return units on the barbie last fall. He averaged 43.8 yards on 43 punts, booting seven 50+ yards downfield and landing 15 inside the 20. He could be even better in 2024 after having a full offseason to further unlock his pack-a-punch leg.
7) Aidan Birr, K, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
As a true freshman in 2022, Aidan Birr sat behind Gavin Stewart, who set Georgia Tech’s single-season field goal rate at 92.3%. All he did when he took over the starting kicking role in 2023 was record the second-highest single-season field goal rate in program history (89.5%), making 15 of 19 field goals.
6) Aidan Swanson, P, Clemson Tigers
Aidan Swanson recorded the most punts inside the 20 last season (28) and is back for his fifth and final campaign. He gets plenty of air under his attempts, giving his coverage unit time to get downfield and make the tackle.
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Swanson showed immense growth from 2022 when he pushed more than a few balls out of bounds. Maintaining his form from last year will cement his spot on an All-ACC team.
5) Alex Mastromanno, P, Florida State Seminoles
With Duke’s Porter Wilson gone, there is only one man who deserves his place as the ACC’s best punter: Alex Mastromanno.
Among returning conference players, he ranks first in punt average (45.5) and 50+ yard attempts (19) and second in punts inside the 20 (26). The Seminoles will look a lot different in 2024, but Mastromanno will ensure the punting unit remains elite.
4) Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State Seminoles
A mainstay in FSU’s special teams room since 2020, Ryan Fitzgerald is one of the most experienced kickers in the country. Last season, he made 100% of his XPs (58 of 58) and 90.5% of his FGs (19 of 21). On top of his steadiness in high-pressure moments, he’s served as the Seminoles’ kickoff specialist over the last two years.
3) John Love, K, Virginia Tech Hokies
John Love proved to be one of the best kickers in the nation last year after converting all 47 of his extra points and 22 of 24 of his field goals. He played a pivotal role in turning around Virginia Tech’s season following a 2-4 start. Another performance like that should result in more than an honorable mention All-ACC spot.
2) Noah Burnette, K, North Carolina Tar Heels
Noah Burnette has kicked 101 extra points over the last two years — he’s made 100 of them. But more than that, he missed just one of his 20 field goals in 2023, which was the second-highest FG rate (95%) among all kickers with at least 20 attempts.
The Tar Heels are replacing first-round NFL Draft pick Drake Maye under center this year, meaning they’ll rely on Burnette more than ever to convert when he trots onto the field.
1) Andres Borregales, K, Miami Hurricanes
Fresh off a Lou Groza Award semifinalist first-team All-ACC season, Andres Borregales is the best kicker or punter returning to the conference.
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He owns one of the strongest legs in the country, making 4 of 6 FGs of 50+ yards last season. Much has been made of Miami’s roster additions this year, but don’t forget about the weapon they have on special teams.
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