Bowling Green State University Athletics
Jackson Kleather Named Semifinalist for 2025 Lou Groza Award
November 18, 2025 | Football
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University junior placekicker Jackson Kleather has been named one of 20 national semifinalists for the 2025 Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation's most outstanding placekicker, as announced by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The award is presented by the Orange Bowl.
Kleather (Tipp City, Ohio) has emerged as one of the nation's premier long-distance kickers this season. He opened the year with a 56-yard field goal in Bowling Green's season-opening victory, a kick that stands tied for the seventh-longest in the country this year and tied for the second-longest in program history. He remains one of only four FBS kickers in FBS with five or more field goals from 49 yards or beyond and one of just ten nationwide with at least three successful kicks from 50-plus yards. Kleather currently ranks 18th nationally with 15 made field goals and has earned Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week recognition twice. His 91.4 Pro Football Focus grade ranks fifth among all FBS placekickers.
Kleather is one of two kickers from the MAC on the list, as Dom Dzioban from Miami (OH) joins him on the list.
The Lou Groza Award honors the top collegiate placekicker in the country. The 20 semifinalists were chosen by a panel that includes FBS head coaches, sports information directors, national media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers. Three finalists will be revealed on November 25, with the winner announced live on ESPN during the Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12.
National College Football Awards Association
The Lou Groza Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football's most prestigious awards. The NCFAA's 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information.
About the Palm Beach County Sports Commission
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the County as a sports and sports tourism destination. The Commission brings sporting events and activities to the County, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (primarily in the off-season), and maximizes utilization of County facilities. The Commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and a local membership program that supports its goals. Local, regional, national, and international marketing efforts are ongoing by the Commission with sports organizations and event owners. The Commission also produces sports-related programs for the residents of Palm Beach County including the annual Lou Groza Award program, the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches. For more information on the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, go to www.palmbeachsports.com.
Kleather (Tipp City, Ohio) has emerged as one of the nation's premier long-distance kickers this season. He opened the year with a 56-yard field goal in Bowling Green's season-opening victory, a kick that stands tied for the seventh-longest in the country this year and tied for the second-longest in program history. He remains one of only four FBS kickers in FBS with five or more field goals from 49 yards or beyond and one of just ten nationwide with at least three successful kicks from 50-plus yards. Kleather currently ranks 18th nationally with 15 made field goals and has earned Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week recognition twice. His 91.4 Pro Football Focus grade ranks fifth among all FBS placekickers.
Kleather is one of two kickers from the MAC on the list, as Dom Dzioban from Miami (OH) joins him on the list.
The Lou Groza Award honors the top collegiate placekicker in the country. The 20 semifinalists were chosen by a panel that includes FBS head coaches, sports information directors, national media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers. Three finalists will be revealed on November 25, with the winner announced live on ESPN during the Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12.
National College Football Awards Association
The Lou Groza Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football's most prestigious awards. The NCFAA's 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information.
About the Palm Beach County Sports Commission
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission is a private, not-for-profit organization contracted by Palm Beach County to promote and market the County as a sports and sports tourism destination. The Commission brings sporting events and activities to the County, enhances economic impact, stimulates bed tax revenues (primarily in the off-season), and maximizes utilization of County facilities. The Commission offers a full range of event service support, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and a local membership program that supports its goals. Local, regional, national, and international marketing efforts are ongoing by the Commission with sports organizations and event owners. The Commission also produces sports-related programs for the residents of Palm Beach County including the annual Lou Groza Award program, the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Kids Fitness Festival of the Palm Beaches. For more information on the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, go to www.palmbeachsports.com.
Players Mentioned
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