Alex Raynor Earns SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Honors
Alex Raynor has achieved a historic milestone for the University of Kentucky football program, becoming the first player in school history to earn the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Special Teams Player of the Year award. The league, which introduced the prestigious honor in 2004, announced the accolade on Wednesday, solidifying Raynor’s status as one of the nation’s top collegiate kickers.
A senior hailing from Kennesaw, Georgia, Raynor delivered an exceptional season marked by record-breaking consistency and clutch performances. He began the 2024 campaign with a flawless streak, converting his first 15 field goal attempts. By season’s end, he had connected on 15 of 16 attempts, achieving an outstanding 93.8% success rate. This remarkable feat not only led the SEC in field goal percentage but also broke his own school record for accuracy, which he set the previous year at 90.9% (10 of 11).
Over his two seasons with Kentucky, Raynor etched his name in both school and conference history books. He completed 25 of 27 field goal attempts as a Wildcat, establishing career records for both the SEC and the University of Kentucky with a staggering 92.6% conversion rate. His precision and reliability have cemented his legacy as one of the program’s greatest kickers.
One of Raynor’s most memorable highlights this season came during Kentucky’s matchup against then-No. 1 Georgia. In that game, he drilled a school-record 55-yard field goal, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, he made another 51-yard field goal in the same game, making him only the second player in school history to hit two 50-plus-yard field goals in a single contest—the first since 1977.
Raynor’s heroics were not limited to individual accomplishments. He played a pivotal role in Kentucky’s stunning 20-17 upset over then-No. 6 Ole Miss, hitting crucial field goals from 48 and 27 yards. His efforts in that game earned him SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Earlier in the season, his performance also gained national recognition, as he was named a Lou Groza Award Star of the Week during week three. Raynor’s consistency and skill earned him a place as a finalist for the prestigious Lou Groza Award, which recognizes the nation’s best collegiate kicker.
Adding to his growing list of accolades, Raynor was named to the First Team Coaches All-SEC earlier this week, further affirming his dominance as a special teams player.
Raynor’s impact on the field this season transcends his statistics, as his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has played a key role in Kentucky’s successes. His historic achievements serve as a testament to his work ethic, poise, and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he concludes his collegiate career, Raynor leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future Wildcats and set a new standard for excellence in Kentucky football.
