With Deep Ties, Cincinnati Game Serving as Homecoming for Ben Sauls

Coming out of high school, living just over an hour north of Cincinnati, Pitt kicker Ben Sauls did a lot of talking with the Bearcats program.

Then head coach Luke Fickell and special teams coordinator Brian Mason were in constant contact with the young specialist from Tipp City, Ohio.

On a camp visit, Sauls met Cincinnati’s kicker, Cole Smith, who became instrumental in Sauls’ path toward becoming a Division I athlete.

“I went to a camp in 2017 and he DM’d me and was like, ‘Hey if you ever want to train, let me know. We think you’re pretty good.’ Ever since then, he was my first mentor and trainer in kicking,” Sauls said.

Sauls was so close with the Cincinnati program that he could name every special teamer from then if he wanted. However, he decided to choose a scholarship offer from Pitt rather than a walk-on spot at Cincinnati due to limited specialist scholarships at the time.

When Sauls takes the field at Nippert Stadium against the Bearcats on Saturday, there will be a sense of homecoming in many ways as he will get to see some familiar faces and play in a stadium that meant so much to him as a high schooler.

“He’ll be at the game, Cole Smith, so I’m excited to see him. There’s a lot of good memories,” Sauls said.

Along with his mentor, Sauls says that countless family and friends will be in the stands as well.

“A lot of family, a lot of friends, a lot of family friends. I got a lot of buddies that go to the University of Cincinnati, so especially my senior year to go to a game that’s close to home is very special to me. I’m excited to see all the familiar faces and have a good game for them.”

Those in attendance will get to see Sauls line up as a trusted member of the Pitt program. Entering his senior season, he has kicked 85 extra points, while connecting on 33-of-42 field goal attempts.

Pittsburgh Panthers place kicker Ben Sauls (90) September 9, 2023 David Hague/PSN

His senior season started off with his second-longest make of his career, cashing in on a 50-yard attempt against Kent State in the opener.

“It felt great,” Sauls said about returning to game action. “I love game day. It was a good team win all around. To get two kicks at the end of the game was awesome. First one from 50, don’t want it any other way than that. To bang that 50 yarder for the first kick of the year, that always feels good.”

Sauls put in a lot of preparation into the offseason and it was observed closely by first-year special teams coordinator Jacob Bronowski.

“He’s loving the process. The ups and downs that he has had in his career has helped him to really enjoy this now. He doesn’t take it for granted. He’s had a great attitude every single day he steps in the facility. He’s a true leader, a fierce competitor and he’s loving every single day and because of that, it’s a byproduct. He’s so dang talented and you see that. I’m really pleased with where he’s at and I know he is too,” Bronowski said.

Sauls is as confident and comfortable as ever kicking from anywhere on the field.

“Pregame, they’ll get a line for me. It will be different depending on direction, wind, weather, but usually it’s 60. Once we cross the 50-yard line, just let me know,” he said.

Although he takes it week-by-week, Sauls is building towards a potential NFL career. Through week one of his senior campaign, Sauls is 2-for-2 and has booted seven extra points.