Winning in all facets is key to the success of any college football program. The three finalists of the 2023 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award helped their teams to great results in the tertiary aspect of football: Special Teams.
In the end, it was Graham Nicholson who was honored as the Lou Groza Award winner for 2023.
Graham Nicholson Wins 2023 Lou Groza Award
Each of the three finalists had their moments in 2023 and each had some game-winning moments for their respective teams.
However, only one winner could be crowned, and it was Miami’s Nicholson who took home the prestigious award.
Nicholson was second in the country in field goals made, knocking home 26 of 27 three-pointers for Miami (OH). The RedHawks kicker also booted home another 35 extra-point attempts and scored a total of 113 points this past season.
Nicholson beat out Jose Pizano and Will Reichard for the top spot. Each of whom had a claim to the title.
MORE: List of Lou Groza Award Winners by Year
Pizano’s leg was documented, drilling both of his attempts from at least 50 yards out, and was a game-winning machine for UNLV in 2023. He finished fourth in total field goals made, making 25 of 27 attempts, while he made 43 extra points as well. Pizano led the finalists with his 118 total points scored in 2023.
Reichard set the new all-time collegiate points scored record in 2023, drilling home 20 field goals this past season. He was 20 of 23 on field goal attempts while he made all 53 of his extra points. Reichard scored 113 points.
The Lou Groza Award is annually given out to the top college football placekicker and is awarded by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Named after former Ohio State kicker Lou Groza, the award has been presented annually since 1992.
Neither UNLV, Miami (OH), or Alabama had a previous winner of the Lou Groza Award as each university was given a chance to win their first of the prestigious kicking award in 2023.