University of Memphis Athletics
Spetic Named as Lou Groza Award Semifinalist
Nov 18, 2025 | Football
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – University of Memphis place-kicker Gianni Spetic has been listed as a semifinalist for the 2025 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award presented by the Orange Bowl, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced Tuesday. Spetic is one of 20 kickers named as semifinalists and is the only American Conference player named to the list.
The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
The Chardon, Ohio native has been near perfect this season going a perfect 46-for-46 for PATs while firing off 14-of-17 field goals for the Tigers. Spetic has nailed four field goals for over 50 yards – including two from 55 against Georgia State and South Florida.
Spetic is one of only two kickers on the list to hit four or more from 50 yards.
Semifinalists will be voted on by a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers to select the three finalists. These finalists will be announced on November 25th and honored at the 34th annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on December 8th in Palm Beach County. The same panel then selects the winner, who will be announced live on ESPN at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Friday, December 12th.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
The Chardon, Ohio native has been near perfect this season going a perfect 46-for-46 for PATs while firing off 14-of-17 field goals for the Tigers. Spetic has nailed four field goals for over 50 yards – including two from 55 against Georgia State and South Florida.
Spetic is one of only two kickers on the list to hit four or more from 50 yards.
Semifinalists will be voted on by a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers to select the three finalists. These finalists will be announced on November 25th and honored at the 34th annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on December 8th in Palm Beach County. The same panel then selects the winner, who will be announced live on ESPN at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Friday, December 12th.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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