Oregon names Gage Hurych starting kicker for 2026 season
Oregon special teams coordinator Joe Lorig is "pretty confident" that Gage Hurych will take over kicking duties for the Ducks in 2026.
The Oregon Ducks have chosen Gage Hurych as their starting kicker for the 2026 season, a position that had been previously occupied by Atticus Sappington. Special teams coordinator Joe Lorig has been preparing Hurych for this role for several years, integrating him into games and showcasing his kicking skills. During the spring game, Hurych handled all the kicking duties, making all of his PATs and field goals from 35 and 45 yards.
He also attempted longer kicks, though not successfully. Hurych, a West Linn graduate, has been working for this opportunity for years, drawing inspiration from Sappington's successful career. Special teams coordinator Lorig emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude in kicking, noting that successful kickers like Jordan Stout, Jake Elliott, and Zane Gonzalez share this trait. Hurych, known as "Iceman," maintains a consistent demeanor regardless of the outcome of his kicks.
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