Clemson Kicker Nolan Hauser Earns Spot on 2025 Lou Groza Award Watch List, Cementing Rising Reputation for Reliability
Clemson football’s rich tradition of special teams excellence added another chapter this week, as sophomore kicker Nolan Hauser was named to the prestigious watch list for the 2025 Lou Groza Award. The honor, which annually recognizes the top placekicker in college football, is a significant milestone for Hauser, who is coming off a strong freshman campaign and appears poised to become a vital part of Clemson’s 2025 championship push.
Being named to the Groza watch list is more than a preseason accolade—it’s a national acknowledgment of consistency, leg strength, mental toughness, and impact. For Hauser, it’s also validation that his transition from high school standout to college difference-maker is well on track. With Clemson entering another high-stakes season under head coach Dabo Swinney, the spotlight on the Tigers is intense. And in close games—particularly during ACC play and potential playoff contention—a reliable kicker can mean the difference between victory and heartbreak.
Hauser’s journey to this point has been marked by quiet excellence. The son of former Florida State kicker Chris Hauser, Nolan arrived at Clemson with the nation’s all-time high school record for career field goals made. His recruitment was seen as a long-term investment in the program’s future at the position, but he wasted little time proving himself ready for the spotlight. As a true freshman in 2024, Hauser displayed remarkable poise and technical precision, converting 18 of 21 field goal attempts and going a perfect 45-for-45 on extra points.
His accuracy wasn’t just statistical—it was situational. Hauser nailed pressure kicks in road environments, hit from beyond 45 yards multiple times, and never shied away from big moments. Clemson’s coaching staff praised his maturity and preparation, noting that Hauser approaches every kick the same way, whether it’s in practice or with a game on the line.
“He’s got ice in his veins,” Swinney said last November. “We knew he was special coming out of high school, but the way he’s handled pressure has been beyond even our expectations. He’s a weapon.”
That weapon becomes even more important in 2025 as the Tigers seek to rebound from a two-year absence from the College Football Playoff. With question marks surrounding the offense’s consistency in the red zone and a defense built to keep games tight, Hauser’s leg could very well decide the outcome of multiple contests this fall.
The Lou Groza Award, named after the legendary Cleveland Browns kicker and offensive tackle, has become the gold standard of kicking excellence in college football. Past winners have included future NFL standouts like Sebastian Janikowski, Roberto Aguayo, and Jake Moody. To be named on the preseason watch list is to be considered one of the nation’s elite—and it often means a player is already drawing attention from professional scouts.
For Hauser, the honor is also a signal that his reputation is growing beyond the ACC. Kicking can often be overlooked until it’s needed most, but within coaching circles, consistency and mental fortitude are qualities that command respect. Hauser’s technique, smooth approach, and unshakable demeanor are all traits that have been noticed by evaluators across the country.
Special teams coordinator Mike Reed emphasized that what sets Hauser apart is not just talent, but preparation.
“Nolan takes his craft seriously,” Reed said. “He watches film on himself, studies wind conditions, practices situational reps—he’s a true student of the game. That’s why he’s able to stay so locked in.”
Another critical component of Hauser’s success is his chemistry with the snapper-holder duo—long snapper Holden Caspersen and holder Drew Swinney. That trio has worked tirelessly to ensure timing and trust, and the results speak for themselves. In an era where blocked kicks, bad snaps, and timing miscues can derail even the best special teams units, Clemson’s operation is among the cleanest in the country.
Off the field, Hauser has also embraced the mental side of kicking. Known for his calm personality and measured approach to pressure, he’s leaned into sports psychology techniques that many elite athletes use—visualization, breathing routines, and mental resets. He credits Clemson’s resources and support staff with helping him find his rhythm not just physically, but mentally.
“You can’t control everything, but you can control your preparation and your mindset,” Hauser said in a spring interview. “Whether it’s a PAT or a 50-yarder in front of 80,000 people, I try to stay focused on the process.”
That process has made him one of the most dependable players on Clemson’s roster. And as the season approaches, expectations for him are only growing. While kickers rarely receive the kind of attention quarterbacks or defensive stars do, their impact is no less critical. One missed field goal in a tight game can alter playoff hopes. One clutch make can secure a legacy.
Looking ahead, Hauser will face plenty of pressure moments. Clemson’s schedule includes tough road trips, potential primetime matchups, and the ever-present tension of conference play. The Tigers are expected to be in the thick of the ACC title hunt, and if their offensive efficiency remains inconsistent, Hauser could be called upon more often than most kickers in the country.
There’s also the looming potential for postseason accolades. In addition to the Groza Award, Hauser will likely be in contention for All-ACC honors and perhaps even All-American consideration if his performance remains elite. With another strong year, he could also begin to draw serious NFL interest. While kickers often fly under the radar until their senior seasons, Hauser’s polish and production make him a rare early prospect at the position.
For now, though, he remains focused on his role within the team. Those around the program say Hauser is as grounded as they come—focused on improvement, technique, and helping Clemson win games. He’s not chasing awards, but he’s aware of what they represent.
“It’s an honor, but it doesn’t change anything for me,” Hauser said of being named to the Groza watch list. “I’m just trying to do my job, help my team, and stay ready for every opportunity.”
That attitude has made him a favorite among teammates and coaches alike. In a sport often dominated by volume and velocity, Hauser brings a steadying presence that can’t be overstated. When a drive stalls or the clock winds down, there’s a quiet confidence that emerges from the sideline—because the Tigers know they have one of the best legs in the country waiting in the wings.
As the 2025 season unfolds, that trust will be tested in real time. Hauser will be judged not just on field goals made, but on the stakes surrounding them. Can he convert in a hostile environment? Can he deliver in the final seconds of a must-win game? Can he maintain the consistency that got him on the Groza list while handling the increased scrutiny that comes with national recognition?
The answers will come soon enough. But for now, one thing is clear: Clemson has found a kicker it can count on, and the rest of the country is starting to take notice.
Nolan Hauser isn’t just a name on a watch list—he’s a central figure in Clemson’s pursuit of greatness in 2025. And as every coach in college football will tell you, sometimes the smallest moments—decided by the quietest players—end up shaping the biggest games.
