Boise State long snapper Mason Hutton has made headlines as a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 Patrick Mannelly Award. This award recognizes the best long snapper in the country, and Hutton is one of just ten semifinalists.
Hutton has been a vital part of Boise State’s special teams for four years, playing in all 52 games since joining the team in 2022. This year, he achieved a career-high Pro Football Focus grade of 69.3. Last season, he led long snappers in the Mountain West with 133 snaps. So far in 2023, Hutton has recorded four tackles, including two solo tackles at Fresno State. A memorable moment in his career came during the 2022 Frisco Bowl, where he successfully caught a two-point conversion pass that helped the Broncos win against North Texas.
During his time at Boise State, the team has excelled. In 2022, teammate James Ferguson-Reynolds was named Freshman All-America, while kicker Jonah Dalmas was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award. Ferguson-Reynolds shined again last season, leading the nation in punting and earning spots on four All-America teams. Dalmas left a mark by setting a program record with 80 career field goals and finishing last year with 93 field goals in total, ranking third in FBS history.
In this current season, punter Oscar Doyle has also drawn attention by being included on the Ray Guy Award watch list. He averages an impressive 43.9 yards per punt and is the only punter nationwide to have completed two passes, including one for a touchdown to teammate Troy Grizzle. Boise State’s kickers have combined for six successful field goals, highlighted by a 50-yard kick from Colton Boomer.
The three finalists for the Mannelly Award will be revealed on November 24, and the winner will be honored on December 13 at a gala in Chicago. This award not only celebrates talent but also supports Bernie’s Book Bank, a charity dedicated to providing books to underserved children in Chicago.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of specialists like long snappers in football. Fans and analysts now appreciate their role in the team’s success. As we look toward the future, it’s exciting to see how players like Hutton continue to shape the game.
For more in-depth coverage on the award and its history, you can explore this National Football Foundation link.
