Of the starters on a football team, the kicker is usually on the field for the fewest snaps in an average game.
However, when their name is called to attempt a field goal or an extra point, their role is as important as any other players in terms of affecting the outcome of a game. Nico Radicic’s role as Indiana football’s placekicker is no exception.
In the 2026 National Championship game against Miami, with 1:47 left to play and Indiana up by three, the Hoosiers were facing a fourth-and-4 from the 17-yard line. Head coach Curt Cignetti called for the field goal team to come out.
To many people, this was a sign of Cignetti trusting his defense to close out the game. But, at that moment, he was relying on his kicker to make it a six-point game. Radicic delivered, splitting the uprights from 35 yards out, and the Hoosiers held on to win 27-21.
Cignetti’s belief in Radidic during the biggest moment of his life was a result of several years of trust the kicker had instilled in his head coach. Radicic is a perfect 156 of 156 on extra point attempts, along with being 28 of 30 on field goal attempts since Cignetti arrived in Bloomington prior to the 2024 season.
With Indiana eyeing back-to-back titles heading into 2026, Radicic will once again be called upon in big situations to deliver. Cignetti did not hesitate to show full confidence in him prior to the start of 2026.
“Nico is money in the bank,” Cignetti said Aug. 31. “He’s really focused. His technique is good. He’s had a great fall camp.”
Radicic is aiming for a college football record with two years of eligibility left. If Radidic maintains his mark of over 90 percent on field goal attempts, along with accumulating 45 career tries, he would be the most accurate kicker in college football history.
There is one point of improvement in 2026 for Radicic. He would like to have his name called more in long field goal situations. Last year, Cignetti used Brendan Franke in certain situations, such as a 58-yard successful attempt at the end of the first half during the Oregon regular season game on Oct. 11.
“I’d say I’m comfortable right now anywhere on the other side of the 50-yard line,” Radicic said Aug. 26 on kicking long field goals. “It’s the big boss’ decision upstairs on who’s going to take those…I think I’ve done a lot to be the name called.”
If Radicic is able to extend his kicking range, along with maintaining his accuracy, he will be a strong contender for the Lou Groza Award, awarded annually to the nation’s top placekicker. The fourth-year kicker was already named to the watch list for the award this past August.
Radicic and the Hoosiers will open up the 2026 season against North Texas on Sept. 5. Kickoff is set for noon Eastern on FOX.
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