A Unlikely Journey
Bailey Ettridge, a 28‑year‑old former welder from Geelong, Australia, never imagined that the skills he honed on a construction site would translate to the gridiron. After a childhood spent playing Australian rules football and years of manual labor, he turned his attention to a niche program that bridges Aussie football and American punting.
Prokick Australia, a specialist training hub, recruited Ettridge and guided him through the technical nuances of American football kicking. Within months he earned a starting spot with the Nevada Wolf Pack, posting a punting average that placed him in the top 30 nationally among those with at least 45 attempts.
Coach’s Praise and Competition
Special teams coach Joe Lorig highlighted Ettridge’s maturity and refined skill set as decisive factors in his selection over younger teammates. Lorig noted that the player’s background in a sport where kicking is instinctive gave him a natural advantage, allowing him to adapt quickly to the demands of American punting.
Oregon’s special teams unit recruited Ettridge to replace James Ferguson‑Reynolds, the Ducks’ 2025 starter, and he is now the clear favorite for the position. Despite competition from freshmen Michael Sbuttoni and Jack Nicoli, Ettridge’s experience and consistent performance have set him apart.
The Ducks open their season against Boise State, with Ettridge slated to face punter Oscar Doyle on September 5 at Autzen Stadium. Off the field, he continues to eye a future in the NFL or the Canadian Football League should an NFL roster spot not materialize.