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.

Carlson, a senior from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the first player to ever be voted a finalist for the Groza three times. With 19 field goals this year, his career total stands at 88, tied for the second-most ever in a collegiate career. His 108 points, tied for third-most among FBS kickers this season, give him 460 for his career, the scoring record not only at Auburn but in SEC history. He is tied for 2^nd in FBS this season with 4 field goals from over 50 yards, a total he has reached in each of the last three years. He has not missed an extra point in his career, an SEC record 191 straight attempts.