A season defined by precision and impact
Nico Gramatica has emerged as one of the most reliable legs in college football, earning a spot on the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Collegiate Place‑Kicker Award. His 2025 campaign features a 75% field‑goal conversion rate, tying for fourth place in program history, and a perfect 59‑for‑59 extra‑point record that set a new school benchmark.
The award, presented by the Orange Bowl and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, honors the nation’s top place‑kickers and traces its lineage to NFL Hall of Famer Lou Groza, after whom the trophy is named. Groza’s legacy of four championships and a 1954 NFL Player of the Year award provides a fitting backdrop for Gramatica’s pursuit of excellence.
Milestones beyond the kicking circle
Gramatica’s influence extends to pivotal game moments, including a 52‑yard field goal and a 20‑yard game‑winner against No. 13 Florida. Those performances helped the Bulls secure a 9‑4 record in 2025, a season that also marked the return of four starters under first‑year head coach Brian Hartline.
The program is celebrating its 30th season, a milestone that coincides with plans to relocate from Raymond James Stadium to a new on‑campus facility by 2027. The upcoming move adds a layer of excitement as the team integrates new talent while building on Hartline’s early success.
Looking ahead to the next chapter
Practice opened on August 5, 2026, with a scheduled season opener against FIU on September 5 at 7 p.m. The matchup will serve as a early test for the Bulls as they aim to translate their preseason accolades into on‑field dominance.
Community partners such as the Palm Beach County Sports Commission continue to play a vital role in promoting the award ceremony, which will culminate in a celebration held in Palm Beach County later this year.