Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's Jonathan Kim has been named one of the 20 semifinalists for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, which recognizes the nation's top placekicker. The award is presented annually by the Orange Bowl and managed by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Kim, a sixth-year graduate senior, has made significant contributions to his team this season with an impressive field goal record of 18-for-20 (.900). This includes three successful attempts from beyond 50 yards and a perfect record from 40-49 yards. His performance places him at the top of the Big Ten and tied for 11th in the FBS for total field goals made. Additionally, his three field goals over 50 yards rank him tied for 10th in the FBS.

Hailing from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Kim received Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors following a standout performance against Iowa on October 19. In that game, he set a school record by making six field goals, which is also the highest number achieved by any player in the FBS this season. His kicks included a season-long 55-yarder during the fourth quarter. This feat matched a modern-day Big Ten record held by Jake Moody of Michigan and was only surpassed historically by E.C. Robertson of Purdue in 1900.

Earlier this season, Kim secured victory for Michigan State with a last-second game-winning field goal against Maryland on September 7. He currently leads his team in scoring with 71 points across ten games and maintains an additional record of being successful on point-after attempts.

In his previous season (2023), Kim was recognized as an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection and led his team with 56 points, achieving four field goals over 50 yards — tied for third most in FBS history. Before joining Michigan State in 2023, he spent four years at North Carolina.

The Lou Groza Award semifinalists will be evaluated by a panel including FBS head coaches, sports information directors (SIDs), media members, former finalists, and current NFL kickers to determine three finalists who will be announced on November 26. These finalists will be honored at an award banquet on December 9 in Palm Beach County before announcing the winner live on ESPN during the Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12.

Named after Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza from Cleveland Browns fame, who helped redefine NFL rosters to include dedicated kickers during his career spanning two decades; since its inception in 1992—32 finalists have entered into NFL careers earning accolades such as Pro Bowl appearances and Super Bowl victories.