Fred Mitchell Award announces finalists for 2025 season
The Fred Mitchell Award is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 season, honoring the nation’s most outstanding place-kickers among more than 750 eligible FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA kickers. These kickers distinguished themselves through long-distance accuracy, clutch performance, consistency, and—equally important—their exceptional community involvement.
This year’s group represents the youngest finalist class in the history of the Fred Mitchell Award, a remarkable indicator of the future of the position. Despite their youth, each finalist delivered performances typically reserved for upperclassmen: game-changing field goals, reliable scoring, and strong leadership within their programs. Off the field, they contributed meaningful time to community service initiatives, youth outreach, campus programs, and many other charitable causes.
FINALISTS (in alphabetical order):
• Harry Balke – Senior, Drake University (FCS)
• Andrew Brown – Senior, North Carolina A&T State University (FCS)
• Aidan Ellison – Senior, North Central College (DIII)
• Eli Ozick – Sophomore, North Dakota State University (FCS)
• Nick Reed – Sophomore, University of New Hampshire (FCS)
• Trajan Sinatra – Sophomore, Idaho State University (FCS)
• Samuel Tremblay – Sophomore, University of Maine (FCS)
• Manaki Watanabe – Freshman, Ashland University (DII)
• Caden Williams – Senior, Towson University (FCS)
• Ben Woodard – Senior, Lamar University (FCS)
“This year’s group of finalists is extraordinary—not only because of their talent, but because of how young they are. We are witnessing the next generation of great kickers, and their achievements this season are nothing short of remarkable,” said Fred Mitchell, the award’s namesake, author, and longtime Chicago Tribune sports columnist. “These ten student-athletes demonstrated elite leg strength, elite accuracy, and elite character. Their commitment to community service is inspiring, and I am confident they represent the bright future of collegiate kicking.”
The winner of the 2025 Fred Mitchell Award will be announced next week. The award will be formally presented at the National Football Foundation Metro Chicago Chapter Awards Ceremony on February 16, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.