Kentucky Football Faces New Kicking Era: A Closer Look at the Battle to Replace a Record-Setter
As the Kentucky Wildcats gear up for the 2025 college football season, one of the most significant changes comes in the special teams department. The team is preparing for life after Alex Raynor, who leaves behind an exceptional legacy as the most accurate kicker in Kentucky football history. Over the course of two seasons in Lexington, Raynor made an astonishing 25 out of 27 field goal attempts. A transfer from Georgia Southern, Raynor didn’t just impress at the school level—he set both Kentucky and SEC records with a field goal success rate of 92.6%.
Replacing a player with that level of consistency and clutch performance is no easy task. So naturally, the spotlight has shifted to who might be next in line to handle the pressure-packed role of placekicker for the Wildcats. While some fans may assume a logical progression or expect a familiar face to step in, the reality appears more complex and perhaps even surprising.
The Intriguing Prospect: Jacob Kauwe
The early favorite in the eyes of many was freshman Jacob Kauwe. Since his arrival in Lexington, Kauwe has caught the attention of coaches, fans, and analysts alike, mostly due to his powerful leg. A video shared by Kauwe himself during a training session showed him successfully kicking a field goal from an almost unbelievable 75 yards. That alone generated buzz, but things escalated when head coach Mark Stoops revealed that Kauwe had nailed three separate 60-yard field goals during team practices before the start of the 2024 season.
Although Kauwe redshirted last year, the coaching staff seemed to have a specific plan for him—utilizing him for long-range field goals while Raynor continued to handle the more routine attempts. The plan made sense, especially after Raynor set a school record with a 55-yard field goal against Georgia. With Raynor holding it down, there was no urgent need to bring Kauwe into action. The redshirt year allowed him to adapt and prepare for future seasons, presumably as the starter.
However, what looked like a seamless succession plan might have encountered a detour.
Enter Zach Schreiner: The Underdog Contender
In May, somewhat under the radar, kicker Zach Schreiner announced his commitment to Kentucky via social media. The news didn’t create major waves initially, but now it’s raising questions. Schreiner brings a different kind of experience to the table. He began his career in the junior college ranks in California before transferring to Sacramento State, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program. While playing for the Hornets, Schreiner proved to be a reliable leg—he made 33 out of 42 field goals, translating to a 78.6% success rate. More impressively, he was perfect on extra point attempts, converting all 89 tries. In addition, he took charge of kickoff duties, giving him a broad skillset as a special teams contributor.
While Schreiner’s stats don’t match Raynor’s record-breaking efficiency, they do present a level of consistency and versatility that might appeal to Kentucky’s coaching staff. However, his role with the Wildcats remains murky. He isn’t currently listed on the official Kentucky football roster, which adds another layer of uncertainty about how exactly he fits into the team’s plans.
Roster Questions and Role Speculations
With Raynor gone and Schreiner arriving, many assumed Kauwe was the heir apparent. But Schreiner’s presence—and his proven track record—introduces new variables. Could Kentucky be considering him for kickoff duties, allowing Kauwe to focus strictly on long-range field goals? Or perhaps Schreiner is meant to serve as an “accuracy insurance policy,” someone who could take over if Kauwe’s high-risk, high-reward kicking style proves inconsistent?
Complicating matters further is the return of other special teams players who had defined roles last season. Aidan Laros, who handled kickoffs last fall, remains on the team. Meanwhile, Wilson Berry, who served as the backup punter and was also the team’s primary holder, is also returning for another season. With multiple experienced players still in the mix, carving out a clear role for Schreiner isn’t so straightforward.
Special Teams: From Liability to Strength
It wasn’t too long ago that Kentucky’s special teams were a cause for concern. Missed field goals and inconsistent punting had, at times, jeopardized otherwise well-played games. But in recent seasons, special teams have become a strength for the Wildcats. Entering the 2025 season, Kentucky ranks No. 14 in the nation in the special teams SP+ rankings—a metric designed by ESPN to assess the efficiency of various aspects of football teams. That ranking reflects not just Raynor’s contributions, but also improvements in coverage units, return games, and overall execution.
So, while the motives behind bringing in Schreiner may not be fully clear, one thing is certain: Kentucky cannot afford to regress in this area. Special teams are often the difference in close SEC games. Whether it’s pinning opponents deep with punts, executing accurate field goals under pressure, or maintaining strong kickoff coverage, these details can tip the scales between victory and defeat.
What’s Next for Kentucky’s Kicking Unit?
With the start of the season approaching, Kentucky’s coaches face a delicate decision. Do they stick with the plan and give Kauwe the keys to the kicking game, trusting in his range and hoping for consistency? Or do they take a more conservative route, relying on Schreiner’s experience and accuracy at shorter distances?
Alternatively, could the Wildcats employ a two-kicker system—assigning different duties based on distance, field position, or game situation? This setup, while unconventional, isn’t unprecedented in college football and might help maximize both players’ strengths.
One thing is certain: fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on fall camp and preseason practices to see how this position battle unfolds. With the SEC known for its tightly contested games and razor-thin margins, every field goal opportunity matters. Whoever wins the job will be tasked not only with replacing a legend but also with maintaining a standard that has recently become one of the cornerstones of Kentucky football’s rise.
In a season that promises to bring fresh opportunities and heightened expectations, Kentucky’s special teams unit—and particularly its new kicker—will play a pivotal role in determining whether the Wildcats can compete with the conference’s best. Stay tuned, because the answer to who’s replacing Raynor might not be as simple as it first seemed.
