UTRGV Kicker Brysen Gardner on Fred Mitchell Award Watch List
Brysen Gardner, a sophomore kicker for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) football team, is making waves this season. He is one of only 38 kickers to be included on the 2025 Fred Mitchell Award watch list. This award recognizes the best kicker from over 750 college football teams across various divisions, evaluating performance both on the field and in the community.
Gardner stands out as one of only two kickers from the Southland Conference on the list, alongside Ozlo Rigby from East Texas A&M. Out of seven games this season, he has successfully converted 8 out of 10 field goal attempts and has made all 27 of his extra point attempts. Notably, he has nailed three field goals from 40 yards or more, including a long shot of 49 yards.
Performance Insights
His stats reflect his impact. Gardner ranks 25th in the FCS and 4th in the Southland Conference in field goals per game, averaging 1.14. He’s also 32nd in overall scoring amongst FCS kickers, averaging 7.3 points per game. These contributions make him a critical player for UTRGV, which currently boasts a record of 5-2 this season.
Community Engagement
Gardner’s influence goes beyond the football field. He and his teammates are active in the community, engaging with local schools for “Fist Bump Fridays” and helping distribute over 23,000 pounds of food to families in need during the Driscoll Give Back Day at their stadium.
Historical Context
The Fred Mitchell Award is named after a notable sports columnist who held the NCAA record for career kick-scoring at Wittenberg University back in 1968. The award focuses not just on athletic success but also on community involvement—traits that Gardner embodies.
Looking Ahead
As UTRGV continues to navigate the season, they are gaining recognition. They’re currently receiving votes in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, highlighting their rapid progress as a newer football program. Notably, they are among only four programs that started from scratch at the NCAA Division I level and achieved such success early in their history.
Gardner’s season is not just about personal milestones. As he competes for the Fred Mitchell Award and supports his community, he is setting a positive example for both his teammates and the students he inspires.
For more information about UTRGV football and upcoming games, check out RallyTheValley.com.
