North Carolina State University Athletics
Kanoah Vinesett Kicks His Way to Lou Groza Award Star of the Week
10/6/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. – For the first time since 2022, NC State has had a kicker named a Lou Groza Star of the Week as Kanoah Vinesett takes home the honor after his performance helped the Wolfpack secure the win over Louisville.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, recognizes three of the top kickers each week from FBS division teams as the "Stars of the Week."
Vinesett put NC State out front first and last, making three vital field goals in the Wolfpack's 31-28 win over Louisville. The senior from Rock Hill, South Carolina, started the game off with a 46-yard field goal, closed out the first half from 29 yards, and put the Wolfpack ahead with what would prove to be the game's final points with a 28-yarder with five-and-a-half minutes left. Vinesett has made field goals in every game and is yet to miss, going 7-for-7 along with 21 perfect point-after attempts.
The 2022 season saw NC State kicker Christopher Dunn take home the honor as the nation's top placekicker.
The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
For more information on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and to see the "Stars of the Week" throughout the season, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com . For even more updates on the best kicking performances throughout the season, follow @LouGrozaAward on Twitter.
The Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, recognizes three of the top kickers each week from FBS division teams as the "Stars of the Week."
Vinesett put NC State out front first and last, making three vital field goals in the Wolfpack's 31-28 win over Louisville. The senior from Rock Hill, South Carolina, started the game off with a 46-yard field goal, closed out the first half from 29 yards, and put the Wolfpack ahead with what would prove to be the game's final points with a 28-yarder with five-and-a-half minutes left. Vinesett has made field goals in every game and is yet to miss, going 7-for-7 along with 21 perfect point-after attempts.
The 2022 season saw NC State kicker Christopher Dunn take home the honor as the nation's top placekicker.
The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
For more information on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and to see the "Stars of the Week" throughout the season, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com . For even more updates on the best kicking performances throughout the season, follow @LouGrozaAward on Twitter.
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