In the 1996 North Carolina State Media Guide, Marc Primanti was quoted as saying, “My job is to make every kick, and I want to do just that.” Primanti did exactly that, making all 20 field goals and 24 extra points that he attempted. This resulted in Primanti being a rather easy choice to receive the Lou Groza Award. Primanti made nine field goals longer than 40 yards, including a 48-yarder against Alabama that was a season-long. He also set an ACC record by making 27 consecutive field goals, stretching back to 1995. After walking onto the Wolfpack team and not playing a down during his first three years in the program, he more than made up for lost time.

Jonathan Nichols had a tremendous 2003 season, as he led the Rebels with 124 points to set a new Ole Miss season scoring record, bettering the previous mark of 102 by RB Deuce McAllister (1997-2000) in 2000. Jonathan also led the SEC and ranked ninth nationally in scoring, averaging 9.5 points per game and led the SEC in field goal percentage (86.2), having made 25-of-29 attempts. He was 3-of-4 on field goals from 50 yards or more to become the first kicker in school history to hit three field goals of 50 yards or more in a season. Ranked second in the SEC and fourth in the nation in field goals made per game (1.92). His 25 field goals also set a new Ole Miss season record.