Middle Tennessee newcomer Dominic Bourgeois has been named to the 2026 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Watch List, one of 35 players recognized by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission on Friday. More Sports News
Who Is Dominic Bourgeois
Bourgeois (pronounced BOOR-zhwah) is a senior from Baltimore, Maryland, transferring to MTSU after three seasons at NCAA Division III Susquehanna University. He led all Division III kickers last season with 20 made field goals and posted 27 touchbacks on kickoffs. Over his career at Susquehanna, he went a perfect 25-for-25 on field goals.
Why Bourgeois Stands Out on the Watch List
The Lou Groza Watch List typically focuses on returning FBS kickers, but this year’s group includes three players moving up from lower divisions. Bourgeois joins Iowa junior Eli Ozick (formerly of FCS North Dakota State) and Fresno State sophomore Manaki Watanabe (formerly of D-II Ashland) as notable additions from outside FBS. Florida State senior Gabe Panikowski, who won the 2024 Fred Mitchell Award as the top non-FBS kicker while at FCS Idaho State, is also on the list.
How the Lou Groza Award Selection Process Works
All FBS kickers remain eligible for the award throughout the season, regardless of Watch List inclusion. The Groza Committee will track performances and release weekly “Stars of the Week” honors at www.lougrozaaward.com. The award timeline runs as follows:
- November 17 – 20 semifinalists announced
- November 24 – Three finalists announced
- December 7 – Finalist celebration and banquet gala in West Palm Beach, Florida
- December 10 – National winner announced during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN
Finalists are selected by a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, sports information directors, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers.
About the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award
Now in its 35th year and presented by the Orange Bowl, the Lou Groza Award is named for NFL Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Toe” Groza. Groza played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, won four NFL championships, and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. His career helped establish the kicker as a permanent and valued position in professional football.
For updates throughout the season, follow @LouGrozaAward on X.
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