Nobody even cares about the kicker until he’s lining up to attempt a game-tying field goal with the game on the line. But, whether he’s holding the ball in place on a kick-off or attempting a deep field goal in the first quarter, the kicker is a crucial figure every time he steps onto the field. Indeed, since football is a game of inches, the kicker is a key factor in the final score.

It’s a position that necessitates a person’s ability to perform in a clutch. It’s important to feel no anxiety in the most crucial moments and to have ice water coursing through your veins. Most kickers must demonstrate their merit before being considered for a scholarship. However, there’s no doubt that they’re an essential part of a team’s ultimate performance. Despite being underappreciated and regarded as unsung heroes, kickers, apart from the quarterback, have the most responsibilities on the field when called upon. They must perform in the rain, wind, snow, blinding sunshine, and the roar of the audience. Here is a list of the best kickers in college football.

Jake Oldroyd, BYU

He didn’t have any stars next to his name when he graduated from high school, but he ran a monster campaign in 2020. Oldroyd made all 13 of his field-goal tries, including a season-long 54-yarder. All three of his kicks from 50 yards and beyond were perfect for the Texas native. Oldroyd has made 60 of his 62 extra-point tries, converting 60 of them. His leg strength is remarkable, which is why he was selected to the AP All-American third team and was a finalist for the Lou Groza Trophy. In wins over Navy, Troy, Western Kentucky, and San Diego State, the six-foot-one, 195-pounder had two field goals each. Not to mention the fact that Oldroyd has made 32 field goals in his career.

Cade York, LSU

The Texas resident has probably the best and most accurate leg in the world. Last season, York tied for 22nd in the FBS in scoring and made all 36 extra-point attempts. In the Bayou Bengals’ last two games, the former three-star recruit put up his best efforts, making seven of his 18 field goals. York kicked three field goals in the victory over Florida at the Swamp, including a season-high 57-yard field goal. In the final victory over Ole Miss, he made four field goals. York was named first-team All-SEC and second-team All-America by the Associated Press.

Will Reichard, Alabama

Last season, the former three-star prospect hit a field goal in nine of his team’s 13 games. All 84 of Reichard’s extra point attempts were successful, and 14 of his 69 kickoffs ended in touchbacks. The Alabama native was 12th in scoring in the FBS, averaging 9.7 points per game. He was not named to the All-SEC team as a result of his achievements, but he was one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award as the best kicker in the nation. Reichard made two kicks in four SEC contests, including a 52-yard field goal against Georgia, which set a new season record.

Anders Carlson, Auburn

With 18 made field goals last season, he tied for first in the SEC. Carlson kicked for touchbacks on 37 of his 60 kickoffs, converting 24 of his 25 extra-point tries. With three field goals apiece against Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State, the former three-star prospect demonstrated intense leg speed. Carlson also set a season record with a 50-yard field goal in Northwestern’s bowl defeat. He’s almost unstoppable inside the 50-yard line for the Tigers, earning second-team All-SEC awards.

Gabe Brkic, Oklahoma

Last season, the Ohio native had a mind-blowing 20 field goal in 11 games. Brkic was named first-team All-Big 12 after ranking 10th in scoring in the FBS. Not bad for someone who graduated from high school with no stars next to his name. Not to mention the fact that 29 of his 70 kickoffs ended in touchbacks. He hit every single one of his 46 extra-point attempts. In the defeat to Iowa State, the 6-foot-2, 198-pounder made three field goals and four in the victory over TCU. Brkic’s best kick was in the Big 12 Championship, where he hit a 54-yard field goal, which was a season-high for him.

Connor Culp, Nebraska

Last season, the former LSU Tiger made an impact in the Big Ten. In eight games, Culp hit 13 field goals and scored both of his 20 extra-point attempts. In the win over Penn State, the Phoenix native scored three field goals. Culp also kicked three field goals in the victory over Purdue, including a season-high 49-yard field goal. He also kicks off, and 12 of his 40 attempts ended in a touchback. Culp made such an impact that he was voted Big Ten Kicker of the Year and was named first-team All-Big Ten. In tight games, he’ll be a game-changer.

B.T. Potter, Clemson

Last season, the longtime three-star prospect ranked 14th in scoring in the FBS. Potter has a solid leg, as shown by the fact that 73 of his 85 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. He has made 61 of his 62 extra-point attempts and converted 61 of them. Potter, on the other hand, wants to focus on his precision from 50 yards and beyond. In the opening victory over Wake Forest, the South Carolina native made three kicks, including a season-high 52-yard field goal. Against Miami, he had his worst game of the season, missing four field goals. In the loss to Notre Dame, Potter avenged himself by kicking four field goals.

Charles Campbell, Indiana

In 2020, the Tennessee native was an integral part of the Hoosiers’ memorable season. Campbell made all 27 extra-point attempts and just missed one field goal. In the opener against Penn State, he kicked two field goals. In the win over Rutgers, the longtime three-star recruit kicked three field goals. In the bowl loss to Ole Miss, Campbell saved his finest kick for last. The five-foot-nine, 171-pound kicker set a season record with a 53-yard field goal against the Rebels. Campbell received second-team All-Big Ten honours for his results.

Harrison Mevis, Missouri

As a true freshman last season, the former three-star recruit made an instant impression in the conference. Mevis showed exceptional leg strength and precision. All 28 of his extra-point attempts were successful, and he made 17 field goals. In the victory over Vanderbilt, he made three field goals. Not to mention, Mevis set a season-high with a 52-yard field goal in the win over LSU. Mevis had an outstanding game against Arkansas, hitting five field goals. He was also named Freshmen All-SEC.

Cameron Dicker, Texas

Last season, the hometown kid finished 15th in scoring in the FBS. Against Texas Tech, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Colorado, Dicker made two field goals each. Not to mention the fact that 61 of his 73 kickoffs ended in touchbacks. Dicker made a season-high 53-yard field goal in the bowl victory over Colorado. He was selected second-team All-Big 12 after making 50 of 51 extra-point attempts. Dicker the Kicker is probably one of the best nicknames in college football, and he’s ready to come through for the Longhorns once more.