Ohio State K Noah Ruggles On Lou Groza Award Watch List

Ruggles made an immediate impact with the Buckeyes after transferring from North Carolina last summer, as he converted 20-of-21 field goal attempts – including the game-winner against Utah in the Rose Bowl – and all 74 of his extra point attempts in 2021.

He was subsequently named a first-team All-American by ESPN, second-team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, second-team All-Big Ten and finalist for the Groza Award, which went to Michigan kicker Jake Moody.

Ruggles, who opted to return for the extra year of eligibility granted to all student-athletes amid the pandemic, is now looking to become just the second Buckeye to win the award, which is named after former Ohio State kicker Lou Groza, joining Mike Nugent in 2004.

Twenty semifinalists for the award will be named in early November and three finalists announced later that month. The winner will then be revealed during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 8.

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