Jackson State freshman kicker Andrew Ivaniciuc was named to the Fred Mitchell Award Midseason Watch List on Wednesday, one of 40 placekickers for their excellence on the football field through the first half of the season.
The award honors outstanding placekickers from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college football programs.
Through six games this season, the freshman has converted on 9-of-12 field goals this season (75 percent) and has converted on all 27 extra points attempts, while also recording eight touchbacks on 15 kickoffs.
"We are just about halfway through the regular season, and numerous kickers already have distinguished themselves on the field," said Fred Mitchell. "Our Selection Committee will be sorting through the comprehensive list of outstanding kickers who have also stepped up in the community."
The 2026 season has brought a significant wave of emerging talent across the eligible divisions. Following the 2025 season, 11 kickers previously recognized by the Fred Mitchell Award transferred to FBS programs, highlighting the caliber of talent competing at the non-FBS level. These transfers demonstrate the award's ability to identify outstanding placekickers capable of competing at the highest level of college football, while creating opportunities for a new wave of kickers to emerge.
Despite the departure of these talented athletes, the depth of kicking talent remains exceptional. The Selection Committee evaluated numerous outstanding performances throughout the first half of the season, with dozens of additional kickers receiving serious consideration beyond the 40 selected for the Midseason Watch List. With much of the season remaining, the committee looks forward to seeing which athletes distinguish themselves during the second half.
While the Midseason Watch List recognizes excellence on the football field, community service remains an essential component of the Fred Mitchell Award. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Selection Committee will evaluate each kicker's community and civic service participation alongside their on-field accomplishments.
The award recognizes not only field goal accuracy, distance, and performances in critical moments, but also the positive impact student-athletes make beyond the football field.
The recipient of the 2026 Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in December based on accomplishments on the football field and contributions to the community.
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