Tennessee kicker named to Lou Groza Award watch list

Tennessee junior kicker Cooper Ranvier has been included on the 2026 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award watch list. The announcement was made by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission on Friday. Ranvier joins 11 other Southeastern Conference kickers on the list. Groza, who played for Cleveland over 21 seasons and won four NFL championships, is the namesake of the award.

This year's award will be presented by the Orange Bowl for its 35th year. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Ranvier transferred from Louisville to Tennessee in January. He was named a Third-Team All-ACC selection for the Cardinals in 2025. Ranvier had a strong season, making 21 successful field goal attempts out of 25, and 39 out of 41 extra points.

He was 6-for-7 from 40-49 yards. With three years of eligibility left, his performance has earned him a spot on the watch list. The list of semifinalists will be announced on November 17, followed by the selection of the top three finalists on November 24. The national winner will be chosen on December 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards.

The ceremony to recognize the three finalists and announce the national winner will take place in Palm Beach County, culminating in a banquet on December 7 in West Palm Beach, Florida.