Illinois Football 2025 Scouting Report: Kicker David Olano

Illinois on SI is delivering scouting reports for each of the key players on the Illini football team's 2025 roster. Below, we present our breakdown of Illini junior kicker David Olano. We will add more as other on-field contributors emerge during the season. Find our scouting reports of other Illinois players by searching in your favorite browser or clicking in our projected depth chart – coming soon.

David Olano | Kicker | Junior | No. 24

Hometown: Naperville, IllinoisHigh school: Naperville NorthHeight: 5-foot-11Weight: 180 pounds

Scouting report

Olano, 20, is an ultra-consistent and reliable placekicker from mid-range distances and in (including point after attempts). He converted a total of 55 of 59 scoring kicks (which included one block) as Illinois' primary kicker in 2024. He doesn't have a huge leg, but he did convert a 50-yarder last year (when since-departed Ethan Moczulski otherwise handled the longest-yardage placekicking duties).

Moczulski also handled kickoff responsibilities, helping to keep Olano's leg fresh. Yet Olano can capably handle kickoffs if needed – and is generally a plus in that area. At his size, Olano won't be of much help if asked to make a stick, but in his specific role, that's an exceptionally rare need.

Experience

Olano's 17-for-20 performance on field goals last season gave him the fifth-best percentage (85.0) in the Big Ten and 32nd-best in the country. He was automatic on field goals from inside 40 yards in 2024 (12 for 12), which can't be overlooked in terms of coach Bret Bielema's and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.'s play-calling and in-game strategizing.

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