Hailey
Kansas redshirt senior kicker Laith Marjan has made his mark in the world of college football by being named to the 2025 Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award Preseason Watch List. This prestigious announcement was made by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission on Thursday, signaling a significant step forward for Marjan’s career.
What is the Lou Groza Award?
The Lou Groza Award is given annually to the nation’s best collegiate place-kicker. The award, named after NFL Hall of Famer Lou “The Toe” Groza, celebrates excellence in kicking. Groza was a legendary kicker for the Cleveland Browns and played 21 seasons in the NFL, helping his team win four championships. He was known for his powerful leg and was a key figure in popularizing the role of the place-kicker in football.
Laith Marjan’s Achievements
Laith Marjan is one of 30 players named to the preseason watch list, and he stands as one of only six representatives from the Big 12 Conference. Marjan was previously recognized by Phil Steele as a second-team selection to the Preseason All-Big 12 team. This speaks volumes about his skills and potential.
Before transferring to Kansas, Marjan made a name for himself at South Alabama, where he became a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award in 2024. That season, he connected on an impressive 16-of-17 field goals and 42-of-44 extra points. His most remarkable moment came during a game against No. 14 LSU, where he made a 49-yard field goal—his longest of the season.
Key Stats from Marjan’s 2024 Season
Marjan’s outstanding performance in the 2024 season included:
- 6-of-6 from 40-49 yards
- 6-of-6 from 30-39 yards
- 4-of-4 from 20-29 yards
These stats earned him Second Team All-Sun Belt honors and highlighted his consistency and reliability as a place-kicker.
Path to the Lou Groza Award
The Lou Groza Award process begins with the preseason watch list, but it doesn’t end there. After a season of impressive performances, the award committee will announce the 20 semifinalists on November 18th. A panel of over 100 experts, including FBS head coaches, media members, and former Groza finalists, will select the top three finalists, who will be announced on November 25th. These finalists will compete for the top honor, which will be awarded on December 12th during the Home Depot College Football Awards.
The final event, the 34th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Gala, will be held on December 8th in West Palm Beach, Florida.
A Look Ahead
Marjan’s inclusion on the Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List marks just the beginning of his pursuit of one of college football’s most prestigious awards. With his performance at South Alabama already turning heads, Marjan has the talent and drive to compete against some of the nation’s best kickers.
As the 2025 college football season begins, fans will be keeping an eye on Laith Marjan to see if he can live up to the high expectations set for him, potentially bringing the Lou Groza Award to Kansas for the first time in school history.
Laith Marjan has certainly made a name for himself in the college football world, and his inclusion on the 2025 Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award Preseason Watch List is a testament to his skill and potential. His exceptional stats, including perfect kicking performances from various yardage ranges, show that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to watch how Marjan continues to grow and potentially earn the top honors in collegiate football. This recognition is just one milestone on what promises to be a stellar career for Marjan, and Kansas fans are eager to see how he performs.