Punting is both an art and a science, combining power, precision, and strategy on the football field. Known as one of the most specialized positions in the game, punters often fly under the radar despite their critical role in shaping game outcomes.
We’re celebrating the top 15 collegiate punters who have left an impact on the sport with their extraordinary performances. From setting impressive records to earning accolades at the collegiate and professional levels, these athletes exemplify the pinnacle of punting excellence.
15. Max Duffy (Kentucky)
In 2019, the football field witnessed the exceptional talent of Kentucky’s punter, Max Duffy. His remarkable performance earned him the prestigious Ray Guy Award. With an impressive average that topped the charts nationwide, Duffy was a force to be reckoned with.
His powerful kicks and unwavering consistency were instrumental in propelling Kentucky’s special teams to new heights. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) recognized his prowess, honoring him with a spot on their First-Team All-SEC.
14. Drew Kaser (Texas A&M)
In the competitive world of college football, Drew Kaser, a punter hailing from Texas A&M, made a significant impact in 2014. His impressive 44.1-yard average on 62 punts not only placed him 15th on the national stage, but also secured him a spot as the 5th best in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Kaser’s precision was further highlighted by his 22 fair catches and 22 punts that landed inside the 20-yard line, underscoring his exceptional skill and accuracy.
13. Pat McAfee (West Virginia)
Hailing from West Virginia, Pat McAfee made a name for himself as a dynamic NFL punter, showcasing his skills with the Indianapolis Colts from 2009 to 2016. Post-NFL, he transitioned into a multifaceted career in sports commentary and entertainment.
He’s now a familiar face on ESPN’s College GameDay, where he shares his insights as a sports analyst. Beyond the football field, McAfee hosts his own program, The Pat McAfee Show, and has even stepped into the wrestling ring as a commentator for WWE on Raw and at their major events.
12. Sam Koch (Nebraska)
Hailing from Nebraska, Sam Koch made waves as an exceptional punter, boasting the highest single-season punting average in the school’s history. His impressive performance in 2005 caught the attention of many, earning him a spot as a semifinalist for the prestigious Ray Guy Award.
Koch’s college career was filled with record-breaking moments, setting the stage for his successful stint in the NFL. He spent an impressive 16 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, demonstrating his skill and consistency on the field before hanging up his cleats in 2022.
11. Zoltan Mesko (Michigan)
With a booming kick, Zoltan Mesko carved out a remarkable career at the University of Michigan. His powerful punts shattered school records, making him the top punter in terms of both quantity and distance. His impressive average of 42.5 yards per punt is a testament to his skill and consistency.
But Mesko wasn’t just a star on the field. He also shone in the classroom, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors four times and being named to the All-Big Ten first team twice. After college, he took his talents to the NFL, where he played for several seasons, starting with the New England Patriots who drafted him in 2010.
10. Daniel Sepulveda (Baylor)
With a booming kick and unerring accuracy, Daniel Sepulveda carved out a legendary career as a punter at Baylor University. His exceptional skills on the field earned him the prestigious Ray Guy Award not once, but twice – a testament to his dominance in college football.
Sepulveda’s record-breaking career punting average and his knack for launching punts over 50 yards set new standards in the NCAA. This extraordinary performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he was deservedly inducted into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016.
9. Braden Mann (Texas A&M)
In the high-stakes world of college football, Braden Mann, a punter hailing from Texas A&M, made waves in 2018. His exceptional skills earned him the prestigious Ray Guy Award and the honor of being a unanimous All-American.
Mann’s record-breaking season, marked by an unmatched punting average and an impressive number of 60-plus yard punts, set new standards in NCAA history. This remarkable college career paved the way for his transition to the NFL, where he has showcased his talents with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.
8. Mitch Wishnowsky (Utah)
Hailing from Australia, Mitch Wishnowsky made a name for himself in American college football as a standout punter for Utah. His exceptional performance in 2016 earned him the prestigious Ray Guy Award and a unanimous All-American title.
That season, he consistently booted the ball an impressive average distance, ranking among the best in the league. His talent caught the attention of the San Francisco 49ers, who scooped him up in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Since then, Wishnowsky has been a reliable force on the 49ers’ special teams, even helping them reach the Super Bowl twice.
7. Michael Dickson (Texas)
With a booming kick that sends the football soaring, Michael Dickson, the Seattle Seahawks’ punter, has made a name for himself in the NFL. Drafted in 2018, this Texas alum has been turning heads with his impressive punt average.
His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl. His time at Texas wasn’t just for show, it was a training ground that set him up for his successful NFL career.
6. Tom Hackett (Utah)
Australian-born Tom Hackett, with his exceptional punting skills, soared to great heights at Utah. He clinched the prestigious Ray Guy Award not once, but twice, a testament to his prowess.
His record-breaking career punt yards and an impressive tally of punts put him on par with the best in Utah’s history. Hackett’s ability to consistently deliver punts over 50 yards further showcased his remarkable talent.
5. Ryan Allen (Louisiana Tech)
Undrafted from Louisiana Tech, Ryan Allen carved a noteworthy path in the NFL. His punting prowess was on full display with teams like the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.
Allen’s impressive career average, well over 40 yards per punt, showcased his unwavering reliability on the field.
4. Reggie Roby (Iowa)
Reggie Roby, born on July 30, 1961, was a force to be reckoned with on the football field. His exceptional punting skills at the University of Iowa were instrumental in turning the Hawkeyes’ fortunes around, leading them to their first winning season in nearly two decades and a coveted Rose Bowl appearance after a long 23-year wait.
His prowess didn’t stop there. Roby’s 16-year NFL career was marked by impressive punting averages that earned him a spot in three Pro Bowls and the prestigious NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 43 when he passed away on February 22, 2005.
3. Shane Lechler (Texas A&M)
In the high-energy world of the NFL, Shane Lechler made a name for himself as a top-notch punter. With an impressive 18-season career, he consistently delivered powerful punts, averaging nearly 50 yards each time. His skill didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot in seven Pro Bowls.
Before his NFL success, Lechler honed his skills at Texas A&M. He started his professional journey with the Oakland Raiders in 2000 and later wrapped up his career with the Houston Texans. His dedication and performance on the field have left an indelible mark on the sport.
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2. Johnny Hekker (Oregon State)
With a booming kick and unerring accuracy, Johnny Hekker carved out a remarkable career as a punter at Oregon State. Over four years, he consistently sent the ball soaring, achieving one of the top three career punt yardage averages in the school’s history.
His prowess was particularly evident in one record-breaking game where he achieved an extraordinary average punt distance. Recognizing his talent, the Ray Guy Award committee included him on their Watch List not once, but twice, in 2010 and 2011.
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1. Ray Guy (Southern Mississippi)
With a booming kick that averaged 44.7 yards, Ray Guy made his mark at Southern Miss. His powerful punts were so impressive, he became the first punter ever to be chosen in the first round of the NFL draft.
But Guy wasn’t just a punter. He also holds a record at Southern Miss for snatching the most interceptions in a single season – a whopping eight! His legacy lives on with the Ray Guy Award, an annual honor bestowed upon the best college punter.
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