Hunter Green, a punter who spent three seasons at San Diego State before joining the Washington Huskies, has earned a spot on the preseason watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate punter.
A Prestigious Honor
During his time with the Aztecs, Green handled 63 of 66 punts, posting a 47.0‑yard average and ranking sixth nationally and second in the Mountain West Conference. He boasted 22 punts that traveled at least 50 yards, highlighted by a 68‑yard kick that helped flip field position in key moments.
His consistency was underscored by 26 punts that landed inside the opponent’s 20‑yard line, a statistic that reflects both precision and strategic value. The Athletic recognized his performance earlier in the summer, naming him to its first‑team preseason All‑Big Ten list, a testament to the expectations surrounding his move to Montlake.
How the Award Is Decided
The Ray Guy Award, established in 2000 to honor the Hall of Fame punter of the same name, evaluates candidates on net punting average, ability to pin opponents inside the 20‑yard line, and overall impact on team success. Voters—a panel of sports information directors, media members and former award winners—will narrow the field to three finalists in late November, with the champion announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN in December.
Beyond raw numbers, the award emphasizes leadership, self‑discipline and the intangible ways a punter can influence a team’s momentum. Green’s transition to Washington adds a new chapter to a career defined by steady improvement and clutch performances, positioning him as a contender for one of college football’s most respected special‑teams accolades.