Interesting statistics I found today that I thought were important for HS & College kickers to see🎯
31 of 68 projected FBS P4 starting kickers in 2026 are transfers entering their first season with their current team (18 P4, 8 G6, 5 FCS). That’s up from just 17 in 2025.
Looking at 16 of the top statistical kickers from 2025:
• 8 transferred from another school prior to the season
• 4 are transferring to new schools this season (3 G6 → P4)
• 4 spent their entire career at one university
• Only 3 started at kicker as a true freshmen in the FBS (11 Redshirted, 2 JUCO, 1 Kickoff only)
The transfer portal has become a major part of the specialist landscape, and that trend is only growing.
That’s why it’s critical for specialists to evaluate everything when committing out of high school.
Ask yourself:
• Am I going there to develop and compete for the job in a year or two?
• Am I expected to play as a freshman?
• Does this staff primarily rely on the portal, or do they have a track record of developing and playing high school kickers?
Every situation is different. Staffs change, depth charts evolve, and sometimes transferring is the best move for playing time, exposure, or financial opportunities.
There isn’t one right path, but understanding the realities of today’s college football landscape can help you make better decisions for your future.