One of the most talked-about positions on the Ohio State football team for the past several years has been none other than the kicker. After seeing more than their fair share of missed field goals in big games, Buckeye fans just wanted some consistency on special teams when the team needed it the most. Ryan Day hopes he got his guy by way of the transfer portal with Connor Hawkins. The former Baylor kicker took another step in the right direction on Wednesday afternoon when he lost his black stripe.
With former kicker Jayden Fielding exhausting his eligibility (sort of), most were looking for a fresh start from the special teams unit. Hawkins entered the portal after two seasons in Waco, where he was a perfect 37-of-37 on extra points and 18-of-22
on field goals, with a long of 54 yards. He was three-of-four on field goal attempts from beyond 50 yards. That alone should get Buckeye fans excited everywhere.
Hawkins is expected to be the starter when Ohio State takes on Ball State to open the season.
๐จ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฒ ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐จ
โ Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 26, 2026
Ice in his veins & weโre happy heโs a Buckeye โผ๏ธ Welcome to the Brotherhood, @connor_hawk1ns ๐ฐ pic.twitter.com/yluOydo0cz
The Buckeyes are hoping to put a lot of points on the board early and often, but in the rare case the team has to go for three, the confidence level will be higher than it has been in recent years.
Hawkins becomes the 12th player welcomed to the Brotherhood during the preseason.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Black Stripe Alert! Ohio State kicker sheds black stripe
