For some reason, Ben Sauls hasn’t received much postseason recognition. He was named the third-team All-ACC kicker, wasn’t mentioned by the AP and has largely flown under the radar.
He’s finally been acknowledged as his stellar senior season.
PFF announced its 2024 All-American team and included Sauls as the place-kicker, a well-deserved honor for arguably the most consistent Pitt player this season.
Sauls was named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award, which is given annually to the best place-kicker in college football, and PFF named him its midseason Lou Groza Award winner. He’s certainly deserving of the postseason recognition.
Sauls is the highest-rated kicker in college football by PFF. He drilled 18-of-21 field goal attempts (with a long of 58 yards) and all 41 of his point-after attempts — with a team-high 95 points.
He tied a program record with his 58-yarder against Cal in October, which was the longest field goal by a Pitt kicker at Acrisure Stadium. And with a 49-yarder against Syracuse later that month, he set the record for the most consecutive made field goals in program history.
Sauls has showed off the leg strength this season, connecting on all five of his six attempts of at least 50 yards.
“He’s the best one I’ve ever been around,” Pat Narduzzi said after the win against Syracuse. “I would imagine he’d be up for the Lou Groza. They should just give it to him mid-season. He’s automatic from 57, 58. Doesn’t matter where you put him. He’s been outstanding this entire season.”
Ben Sauls has connected on 48-of-60 field goal attempts (80%) in his Pitt career, and he’s taken his game to new heights this season. He should be firmly on the NFL radar following the season.
He accepted an invite to the Shrine Bowl in January, and the All-Star opportunity should have him firmly on NFL radar as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
