Texas A&M Senior Kicker Eyes Prestigious Lou Groza Award—Can He Cement His Legacy?

Outside of star punter Tyler White, the return of senior kicker Randy Bond was critical for this unit to continue its successful run, as the veteran finished the 2024 season with his highest career field goal percentage (83.3%), finishing 20-24, a perfect 46-46 on extra points, including 7-9 from 40-49-yards, while making a 55-yard field goal.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.One of Texas A&M’s most significant issues under former head coach Jimbo Fisher was the program’s lack of special teams success, mainly due to Fisher’s choice never to hire a special teams coach. After his dismissal, second-year head coach Mike Elko brought in veteran Patrick Dougherty, who, during his first season at the helm, led the Aggies to a top-35 finish in yards per punt (43.9), field goal percentage (83.3), and field goals (20).

On Friday, it was revealed that Bond was named to the 2025 Lou Groza Award preseason watch list. Unsurprisingly, Bond is considered one of the most dependable kickers in the country and could be the reason Texas A&M escapes a road game or two this season. Bond has continued to improve in every aspect of his kicking game, and, with one more solid season, he has a chance to make an NFL roster this time next year.

Texas A&M’s special teams woes under Jimbo Fisher were no secret — the absence of a dedicated special teams coach left a glaring hole that just wouldn’t quit. But with Mike Elko stepping up in his second year at the helm, there’s been a clear shift. Bringing in seasoned pro Patrick Dougherty wasn’t just a hire; it was a statement. In Dougherty’s rookie season guiding the unit, the Aggies cracked the top 35 nationally in critical categories like punt yardage, field goal percentage, and total field goals — a solid bounce-back from the past. Returning senior kicker Randy Bond has been the linchpin of this turnaround. After posting his best field goal accuracy last season, Bond’s reliability — nailing 20 of 24 kicks and an unblemished record on extra points — can’t be overstated. Now, being named to the 2025 Lou Groza Award preseason watch list spotlights just how crucial he is to Texas A&M’s ambitions this season and beyond. With that kind of leg and poise, the NFL isn’t just a dream—it’s practically within his grasp. LEARN MORE