As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Texas Longhorns have solidified themselves as one of the premier programs in the nation under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With a potent offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a defense that has consistently improved, Texas is poised to be a contender in the competitive Big 12 and, by extension, the College Football Playoff race. However, one area that has raised questions heading into the final stretch of spring practices is the kicker position.
Late in the spring season, Texas has ramped up its competition at kicker, as the team looks to fill a key role that could be the difference between victory and defeat in close games. With the departure of longtime kicker Bert Auburn, who was a steady presence for the Longhorns, Texas faces the challenge of replacing him with someone who can deliver when the pressure is on.
As spring football practices wind down, the kicker battle has become one of the most scrutinized competitions on the Texas roster. From scholarship players to walk-ons, multiple contenders are vying for the job. So, what exactly is at stake in this competition, and why does the kicker position matter so much for Texas as it prepares for another high-stakes season?
The Departure of Bert Auburn: A Big Loss
For the past few seasons, Bert Auburn had been a consistent and reliable contributor to the Texas special teams unit. A seasoned kicker with a steady leg, Auburn was a calming presence in tense moments, particularly in late-game situations when the Longhorns needed a reliable kicker to convert field goals or extra points. With a career field goal percentage of 81.5% and clutch kicks under his belt, Auburn was a cornerstone of Texas’ special teams unit.
However, following Auburn’s departure, the Longhorns found themselves in an unfamiliar position: searching for a new kicker. Losing a proven commodity at the position can often cause a ripple effect throughout a team, as it places added pressure on the new player to step up quickly and perform at a high level. For Texas, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge—an opportunity to develop a new talent, but also the challenge of replacing a key contributor at a vital position.
The Importance of the Kicker Position
In college football, the kicker is often seen as one of the most underrated positions on the field. Kickers are expected to remain calm under pressure and deliver in high-stress situations, such as a game-winning field goal or an extra point in a crucial moment. While a kicker may not see as much action as the quarterback or running back, the outcome of a game can hinge on their ability to perform when the spotlight is on them.
For Texas, the kicker position holds even more significance as the team enters the 2025 season with championship aspirations. Texas is expected to compete for a Big 12 title and possibly make a push for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Given the intensity of the competition in the conference and the tight games that will inevitably arise, the Longhorns need a kicker they can trust to deliver when the stakes are high.
In close games, the kicker is often the difference-maker. Whether it’s a 40-yard field goal in a tie game with seconds left on the clock or an extra point to keep a momentum swing going, the kicker plays a crucial role in securing wins. This is why the battle for the starting kicker role is so important for Texas as the team prepares for the 2025 season.
Key Contenders for the Kicker Job
As spring practices progress, Texas has seen multiple players vying for the starting kicker role. The competition has become increasingly intense as each contender has had their opportunity to showcase their skills. Let’s take a look at the key players competing for the job and what each brings to the table.
1. Will Stone (Sophomore)
Will Stone, a sophomore from nearby Austin, is one of the early favorites to land the starting kicker position for Texas. Stone was a highly regarded recruit out of high school, known for his powerful leg and consistency in kicking field goals from long distances. He spent his freshman season as a backup, learning the ropes behind Bert Auburn, and has used the offseason to hone his skills and prepare for the competition.
Stone’s biggest strength is his leg strength. He has the ability to kick field goals from 50 yards or more, which is an asset for Texas, particularly in games where the offense stalls in long-yardage situations. His accuracy, however, has been a concern at times, especially in pressure-filled situations. Stone will need to prove that he can consistently convert in high-pressure moments during the upcoming season.
His ability to maintain composure under pressure is also something that will be closely scrutinized during the remainder of the spring and summer. If he can prove that he can handle the mental side of kicking, Stone has the potential to take over as Texas’ starting kicker for years to come.
2. Ethan Bailey (Redshirt Freshman)
Ethan Bailey, a redshirt freshman, is another promising option for Texas at kicker. Bailey, who joined the Longhorns as a walk-on, was known for his accuracy in high school and had a solid first year on campus working with the special teams unit. As a younger player with a solid foundation, Bailey has the ability to develop into a reliable kicker for Texas.
While Bailey doesn’t possess the same raw power as Stone, his accuracy and consistency could make him an intriguing option for the Longhorns. He has shown flashes of brilliance during spring practices, hitting clutch field goals during scrimmages and demonstrating a calm demeanor in pressure situations. If Bailey can continue to develop and prove himself in camp, he could be a sleeper candidate to take the job.
Given that he is still relatively new to the college game, Bailey’s challenge will be to demonstrate that he can handle the increased level of competition and pressure that comes with playing in front of tens of thousands of fans in the Big 12. If he can rise to the occasion, he could solidify his spot as the team’s kicker.
3. John Moretti (Walk-On)
John Moretti, a walk-on from the Dallas area, has also entered the kicker competition. While he may not be as well-known as some of the other contenders, Moretti has earned respect within the Longhorns’ special teams unit due to his work ethic and consistent performances in practice. Walk-on kickers don’t often get much attention, but Moretti has managed to stay in the conversation as a potential starting option for Texas.
Moretti’s biggest strength is his mental toughness. He has a reputation for staying cool under pressure, and during several spring scrimmages, he has made critical field goals in key moments. Moretti’s path to becoming the starting kicker may be an uphill battle, but his tenacity and consistency could make him a viable option for Texas if the other contenders falter.
4. Other Candidates and Walk-Ons
Texas is also evaluating a few other walk-on candidates who have shown promise during spring practices. These players are competing for a spot on the depth chart and have an outside chance of earning the starting kicker role. While they may not be top-tier recruits or scholarship players, their contributions during camp and in practice could determine their fate as the competition for the starting job intensifies.
The battle for the starting kicker job is not limited to the most well-known names; other players will also get opportunities to prove themselves in the coming weeks.
What’s at Stake for Texas?
The kicker position is often overlooked by fans and analysts alike, but in reality, it could have a significant impact on the success of Texas’ 2025 season. A reliable kicker is essential for a team that hopes to contend for a Big 12 championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. With a roster filled with talent and expectations through the roof, the Longhorns cannot afford to have uncertainty at kicker.
The team will rely on its kicker to convert field goals in critical situations, whether it’s to extend a lead, tie a game, or win it in the final moments. A shaky performance in key games could lead to missed opportunities, and potentially cost Texas games they should have won.
In addition to the team’s success, the development of the kicker position is also crucial for Texas in terms of recruiting and program perception. For top recruits considering the Longhorns, knowing that the program can rely on special teams to perform at a high level is an important factor. A team with a stable and efficient special teams unit—especially at kicker—presents a more appealing option for players looking to win championships.
A Position to Watch in the Coming Weeks
As Texas moves closer to the start of the 2025 season, the battle for the kicker position will only intensify. With multiple players vying for the starting job and the Longhorns’ championship aspirations on the line, the competition at kicker is one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring. Whether it’s Will Stone’s powerful leg, Ethan Bailey’s accuracy, or John Moretti’s poise under pressure, each of these contenders has something unique to offer.
The next few weeks will determine who steps up and earns the trust of the coaching staff, and ultimately, the opportunity to represent Texas as its starting kicker. As the competition heats up, the Longhorns will be hoping that whoever wins the job can rise to the occasion and deliver in the high-pressure situations that define successful seasons in college football.
