Tennessee kicker named to Lou Groza Award watch list

Tennessee junior kicker Cooper Ranvier was named to the 2026 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award watch list.

The list was released Friday by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Ranvier is one of 11 SEC kickers named for the award. Groza played 21 seasons for Cleveland and won four NFL championships.

The award will be presented by the Orange Bowl for a 35th year.

A Lexington, Kentucky native, Ranvier transferred from Louisville in January. He was a Third-Team All-ACC selection for the Cardinals in 2025. Ranvier converted 21-of-25 field goal attempts and 39-of-41 extra attempts. He converted 6-of-7 field goal attempts from 40-49 yards and has three years of eligibility remaining.

Accomplishments are tabulated throughout the season, and the Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on Nov. 17. From this list, a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, sports information directors, media members, former Groza Award finalists and current NFL kickers will select the top three finalists, which will be announced Nov 24. The group will select a national winner, who will be announced Dec. 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards.

The 35th annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, recognizes the three finalists during a celebration in Palm Beach County, culminating with banquet on Dec. 7, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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PHOTOS: Tennessee football kicks off 2026 fall camp

George MacIntyre (L) and Faizon Brandon (R). Tennessee Volunteers kick off fall training camp at Haslam Field in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Dan Harralson/Vols Wire)