Martin Gramatica capped a phenomenal 1997 season that saw him make 19 of 20 field goal attempts by winning the Lou Groza Award. Gramatica set several Kansas State records that year, including most field goals in a season, and became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 214 points. He also became the only kicker in K-State history to make two 50-yard field goals in a single game; one from 55 yards tied the Big 12 record for longest field goal. Gramatica was a finalist for the Groza Award again in 1998, but lost to Sebastian Janikowski. After his senior year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Gramatica in the third round of the NFL Draft.

Mike Nugent converted 20 of 23 field goal attempts during the 2004 season (one was blocked) and led the nation in 50-yard field goals with five. In the win over Marshall, his 55-yarder as time ran out provided OSU with a 24-21 win. In a 22-14 victory at North Carolina State, he tied a school record with five field goals. He was also a perfect 27-of-27 in the point after touchdown (PAT) department and had 34 touchbacks on 55 kickoffs. The Lou Groza Award is the 30th major individual award won by an Ohio State player.