Longhorn’s Shipley Named to Lou Groza Award Watch List, Aims to be Nation’s Top Kicker

Texas Football’s senior kicker Mason Shipley is making headlines once again, earning a spot on the 2025 Lou Groza Award preseason watch list, as announced by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The award honors the most outstanding place-kicker in college football—and Shipley’s resume makes him a serious contender.

A product of Liberty Hill, Texas, Shipley arrives in Austin with a wealth of experience and a powerful leg, having played in 38 games over three seasons at Texas State. His career stats speak volumes: 31-of-35 field goals made (88.6%) and 111 successful PATs. In 2024, he drilled a record-setting 60-yard field goal against Sam Houston, the longest in both Texas State and Sun Belt Conference history.

Shipley’s consistency has been remarkable. In 2023, he went a perfect 15-for-15 on field goals, becoming one of just two kickers nationwide to maintain a 100% success rate. That season, he set a school record for most field goals made and scored 103 points, the second-highest single-season total in program history. He’s also proven reliable from long range, converting all attempts from 40–49 yards.

Beyond field goals, Shipley has contributed significantly on kickoffs, launching 72 kicks for 3,916 yards and 18 touchbacks over two seasons.

This marks Shipley’s second consecutive appearance on the Lou Groza watch list, and he was a semifinalist in 2023. Now, as he suits up for the Longhorns, he’s poised to make an even bigger impact.

The journey to the Lou Groza Award continues throughout the season, with 20 semifinalists announced on November 18. From there, a panel of coaches, media, and former winners will select three finalists, revealed on November 25. The winner will be crowned live on ESPN’s College Football Awards on December 12, with a gala celebration to follow on December 8 in West Palm Beach, Florida.