Caden Buhr, Nolan Hauser, and Sam Keltner Named Lou Groza Award Stars of the Week

The three kickers combined to make 12 field goals while delivering clutch performances for Iowa, Clemson, and Oklahoma State.

Three kickers who helped decide some of college football’s biggest Week 2 games have earned national recognition from the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award.

Iowa’s Caden Buhr, Clemson’s Nolan Hauser, and Oklahoma State’s Sam Keltner were named the award’s Stars of the Week after combining to make 12 field goals without a miss.

Buhr delivered a last-second winner against Iowa State, Hauser produced the first five-field-goal performance of the 2026 season, and Keltner helped Oklahoma State end its lengthy losing streak with a major upset over Oregon.

Caden Buhr Delivers in Cy-Hawk Rivalry

For the third consecutive meeting, the Cy-Hawk Trophy was decided by a late field goal.

This time, Buhr supplied the winning kick.

The Iowa sophomore connected from 42 yards with only 15 seconds remaining, giving the Hawkeyes their first lead of the game and securing a 16–13 victory over rival Iowa State.

It was Buhr’s third successful field goal of the day. He previously made kicks from 45 and 32 yards, with each one pulling Iowa even.

His 45-yarder matched the career long he established one week earlier. Buhr is now one of only 11 FBS kickers with at least three successful field goals from 40 yards or longer this season.

The performance showed why kickers are so important in tightly contested rivalry games. Iowa never led until Buhr’s final attempt, but his three makes ensured the Hawkeyes remained within striking distance long enough to steal the victory.

Nolan Hauser Carries Clemson’s Scoring

Hauser delivered the season’s first five-field-goal performance as Clemson defeated Georgia Southern 22–7.

The junior accounted for 15 of the Tigers’ 22 points and connected from five different distances.

Hauser made kicks from 38, 34, and 20 yards during the first half. He then finished the game by converting from 50 and 49 yards, extending Clemson’s advantage and removing any realistic chance of a Georgia Southern comeback.

The five makes tied a personal high Hauser first reached during the 2024 season. He is now only the second kicker in Clemson history to produce multiple games with five successful field goals.

His two longest attempts also showed his ability to convert from beyond the edge of standard field-goal range. Rather than simply protecting Clemson’s lead with short kicks, Hauser closed the game with consecutive makes from approximately 50 yards.

Sam Keltner Helps Oklahoma State End Its Slide

Keltner’s right leg played a critical role in Oklahoma State’s 39–31 upset of Oregon.

The sophomore opened the scoring with a field goal that gave the Cowboys an early lead. He later added second-half makes from 44, 31, and 24 yards, helping Oklahoma State maintain its advantage as Oregon attempted to rally.

His four successful attempts marked the first four-field-goal game by an Oklahoma State kicker since 2023.

Keltner is also one of only six FBS kickers who have attempted at least five field goals this season without missing.

The victory ended the longest losing streak in Oklahoma State program history and provided one of the biggest surprises of the young college football season.

While the Cowboys’ offense found the end zone, Keltner ensured promising possessions still produced points. His consistency repeatedly forced Oregon to overcome a larger deficit and allowed Oklahoma State to maintain control.

Different Games, Same Pressure

The three performances demonstrated the different ways a kicker can influence a football game.

Buhr was perfect in a low-scoring rivalry matchup and converted the winning kick with almost no time remaining.

Hauser became Clemson’s primary scorer, making five field goals—including two from long distance—to put away Georgia Southern.

Keltner helped Oklahoma State capitalize on drives and preserve its advantage during an upset victory over a nationally prominent opponent.

Together, the three kickers made 12 field goals. Their performances also included five successful attempts from at least 40 yards.

About the Lou Groza Award

The Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award recognizes the best kicker in college football. During the regular season, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission selects three FBS kickers as its weekly Stars of the Week.

The award is named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Lou “The Toe” Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

Groza won four NFL championships and was named the league’s Player of the Year in 1954. He also played offensive line, but his success as a specialist helped establish the idea that professional teams should reserve a roster spot for a dedicated kicker.

The Lou Groza Award is part of the National College Football Awards Association, a collection of 25 major college football honors.

Buhr, Hauser, and Keltner now join the early-season list of kickers establishing themselves as contenders for the 2026 award.

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