For the first time in program history, a Louisiana Ragin Cajun has brought home a national award.
Placekicker Kenneth Almendares has been named the winner of the 2024 Lou Groza Award, given to the best place kicker in college football.
Almendares went 27-29 on field goals this season, a conversion rate of 93.1%. His 27 field goals led the FBS and would be just the third kicker to lead the country in field goals made while connecting on 90% or better.
“I’d like to thank the Palm Beach County Sports Commission for this honor,” said Almendares. “I am proud to be nominated this year along with Ryan and Alex, two very talented kickers. I’m so honored and appreciative of this award.”
The Clune, Texas native beat out Kentucky’s Alex Raynor, the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, and Ryan Fitzgerald from Florida State.
Almendares becomes the first Groza Award winner from the Sun Belt Conference and the first national award winner from the Cajuns program. He will lead the Cajuns in the New Mexico Bowl against TCU on Saturday, December 28. Kickoff is set for 1:15 p.m.
