USC’s Ryon Sayeri Named Lou Groza Award Semifinalist

LOS ANGELES — One of USC’s most dependable weapons is officially getting national recognition. Trojans kicker Ryon Sayeri has been named a Lou Groza Award Semifinalist, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced Tuesday — placing him among the top placekickers in the nation as USC prepares for a huge matchup against Oregon this weekend.

The Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the best kicker in college football, and few across the country have been as automatic, as consistent, or as clutch as Sayeri in 2025. The sophomore has already earned two Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors this fall and has delivered in every high-pressure moment USC has faced.

A Season Defined by Precision

Sayeri has been nearly flawless all year, entering Week 12 with a 94.4% field goal percentage (17-of-18) — the 5th-best mark in the nation and 2nd in the Big Ten.

He’s been even better when the lights are brightest:

• 6-for-6 on field goals vs. AP/CFP ranked opponents
• 6-for-6 from 40+ yards
• 1.7 field goals per game (13th nationally, 2nd in Big Ten)

Last Saturday’s 26–21 win over No. 21 Iowa in the pouring rain was the latest example of his impact. Sayeri drilled field goals from 40 and 28 yards and added three PATs to finish with nine points, once again stabilizing USC’s scoring in a tough defensive battle.

A Hidden Advantage: Kickoff Dominance

Sayeri isn’t just putting points on the board — he’s controlling field position at an elite level.

He’s up to 54 touchbacks, tied for 8th-most in the Power Four and 1st in the Big Ten, while averaging 64.7 yards per kickoff. Three more touchbacks came against Iowa, preventing any chance of momentum-shifting returns.

Next Steps in the Groza Race

The three finalists for the Lou Groza Award will be announced Nov. 25, with the winner revealed Dec. 12 during the Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.

For USC, it’s another national honor in a season filled with breakout performances — and for Sayeri, it’s validation of a year defined by consistency, power, and pressure-proof execution.

Sayeri and the Trojans return to action Saturday in a nationally televised showdown against Oregon, where USC’s Groza semifinalist will once again play a crucial role.