You likely won’t hear a kicker or punter’s name unless he makes a mistake on national television, but the 2024 SEC K/P Rankings highlight the top players to know this season. Alabama lost kicker Will Reichard to the NFL Draft … only to add last year’s Lou Groza winner, Graham Nicholson. Who challenges him for the throne?
SEC 2024 K/P Rankings
10) Jackson Ross, P, Tennessee Volunteers
As a redshirt freshman, Jackson Ross downed 27 punts in the 20-yard line — the most in the SEC. His punts were barely returned, and when they were, the special teams unit was able to wrap up quickly. Going from Joe Milton to Nico Iamaleava should only lead to fewer attempts and easier situations for Ross.
9) Alex Raynor, K, Kentucky Wildcats
The Devin Leary experience didn’t result in too many opportunities for Alex Raynor, but he made the most of his playing time. He made 10 of 11 field goals and 48 of 49 extra points and clearly has a solid leg, converting on 5 of 6 kicks of 40+ yards.
8) Brett Thorson, P, Georgia Bulldogs
Of Brett Thorson’s 68 punts over the last two years, only six have been returned. Playing at Georgia, he simply doesn’t see the field much, limiting how high he can land on the 2024 SEC K/P Rankings. Nevertheless, he has the boot to shift momentum in one play.
7) Trey Smack, K, Florida Gators
The Gators only set Trey Smack up for 29 extra points, but he made them all. He was also flawless on kicks less than 40 yards out and showed off his leg strength with two 50+ yarders on three attempts.
6) Jeremy Crawshaw, P, Florida Gators
Jeremy Crawshaw had the highest YPA (48.6) in the conference last season and had a strong hangtime.
MORE: 2024 SEC Power Rankings
The Australian has improved in each of the last three seasons and should feature on the Ray Guy Award watchlist for the second straight campaign.
5) Alex McPherson, K, Auburn Tigers
Alex McPherson’s last name should be familiar to SEC fans, as his brother Evan was a consistent threat for Florida from 2018 to 2020 before the Cincinnati Bengals drafted him.
His younger brother is a stalwart of his own, booting all FG tries (13) and XPs (40) through the uprights in 2023. Having Payton Thorne under center limits McPherson’s output, but he’s deadly when on the field.
4) Caden Davis, K, Ole Miss Rebels
After riding the pine at Texas A&M, Caden Davis transferred to Ole Miss and was able to show off his leg with the Rebels. He was automatic on special teams (45 of 45 on XPs) and from less than 30 yards (7 of 7), which is expected but not always executed at the collegiate level.
Davis then made 11 of 16 from 30+ yards (two misses each at 40+ and 50+) but should only improve with a year of experience under his belt. Oh, and he’s also the best kickoff specialist in the conference with a booming leg and high hangtime.
3) Bert Auburn, K, Texas Longhorns
Bert Auburn hasn’t missed an extra point in his career, and playing with Texas’ high-octane offense has resulted in a lot of them (100 in the last two years). But Auburn is even more of a weapon than his counterpart at the program of the same name, launching 29 of 35 field goals for points, including an SEC-leading 11 of 16 from 40+ yards.
2) James Burnip, P, Alabama Crimson Tide
With a 47.6-yards-per-punt average in 2023 (fifth in the nation), James Burnip earned second-team All-SEC honors. And with 24 punts of 50+ yards and five of 60+, he finished as a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, presented to the country’s top punter.
If Jalen Milroe and Co. struggle to move the chains, Burnip will put the defense in an advantageous position.
1) Graham Nicholson, K, Alabama Crimson Tide
Miami (OH) kicker Graham Nicholson entered the portal on December 5 but withdrew his name just three days later. Well, he threw his name in the transfer pool once again in the spring and ultimately landed with Alabama.
KEEP READING: 2024 SEC LB Rankings
The newest Crimson Tide kicker connected on 27 of 28 field goals (including 10 of 11 from 40+ yards), made 36 of 38 extra points, and led the MAC with a 67.9-yard average on kickoffs last season. The result? First-team All-MAC and All-American honors and the 2023 Lou Groza Award, given to the best kicker in the nation.
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