Excellence Overlooked: The Curious Case of UCLA's Star Kicker
Lou Groza Award Snub: A Puzzling Omission for UCLA's Kicking Veteran
The announcement of the 2026 Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List brought a surprising revelation: Mateen Bhaghani, the accomplished kicker for the UCLA Bruins, was conspicuously absent. This exclusion is particularly perplexing given his inclusion on the same list in 2025, a testament to his previous recognition and consistent performance.
Mateen Bhaghani's Collegiate Journey: A Track Record of Kicking Prowess
Bhaghani boasts an impressive collegiate resume. Entering his third season with UCLA after an initial year with Cal, he has maintained an exceptional 83% success rate on field goal attempts throughout his career. Furthermore, his record on extra points remains perfect, a remarkable feat of precision and reliability over his time in college football.
Consistent Performance Across Seasons: Bhaghani's Impact on the Field
Bhaghani's achievements are not merely statistical anomalies; they represent sustained excellence over 34 games as a starting kicker in the NCAA. Even during a challenging 2025 season for the Bruins, where the team generally struggled, Bhaghani remained a crucial asset, successfully converting 16 out of 20 field goal attempts. While this represented a slight dip in his career percentage, it was largely attributed to UCLA's strategic decision to entrust him with more ambitious, long-range attempts.
Remarkable Feats: Long-Distance Kicks and Record-Breaking Achievements
Highlighting his powerful leg and accuracy, the San Diego native had an unbroken streak of 14 successful field goals before a challenging 56-yard attempt against Penn State. Notably, he still managed a 54-yard field goal in the victory against Penn State. His personal best remains a monumental 57-yard kick against Iowa in 2024, marking the second-longest in UCLA's history and underscoring his extraordinary range and talent.
Beyond the Numbers: The Unquestionable Value of a Top Collegiate Kicker
Despite a marginal decrease in his field goal success rate in 2025, it is difficult to fathom that there are 35 other kickers in college football who surpass Bhaghani's caliber. With new coach Bob Chesney at the helm, UCLA is anticipated to engage in more closely contested games this season, providing an even greater platform for Bhaghani to demonstrate his invaluable contributions and highlight the oversight of his exclusion from the watchlist.
