Patrick Durkin, a former Tulane standout, has quickly become a focal point of excitement for the Florida Gators as he prepares for his second season in Gainesville. His name now appears on the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, a distinction that places him among the 35 most celebrated placekickers in college football.
Durkin’s 2023 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. He converted 25 of 28 field‑goal attempts and was flawless on 41 of 42 extra‑point tries, delivering the second‑highest accuracy rate among returning FBS kickers who attempted at least 20 field goals. That performance also tied him for the second‑most successful field goals among his peers, underscoring his reliability between the uprights.
The Groza Award’s Growing Prestige
Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame legend Lou Groza, the award honors not only statistical excellence but also the historical impact of the position. Groza, a four‑time NFL champion and 1954 NFL Player of the Year, set a standard that today’s placekickers strive to match. This year’s watch list expansion to 35 members commemorates the award’s 35th anniversary, reflecting its rising influence in the sport.
The selection process involves a panel of FBS head coaches, seasoned media members, and former Groza finalists who will narrow the field to 20 semifinalists on November 17. Those semifinalists will later be reduced to three finalists, with the ultimate winner announced on December 10 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
Florida special teams coach Johnathan Galante has voiced strong confidence in Durkin’s development, noting the kicker’s marked improvement during spring practice and his readiness to compete at a higher level. Galante’s praise highlights the coaching staff’s belief that Durkin can translate his collegiate success into impactful performances for the Gators this fall.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Durkin to see whether his preseason recognition translates into on‑field dominance. If he maintains the consistency that earned him a spot on the watch list, he could become a cornerstone of Florida’s special teams and a serious contender for the award’s final honors.