Jonathan Ruffin capped a remarkable sophomore season at the University of Cincinnati by winning the 2000 Lou Groza Award. Ruffin led the nation with 26 field goals on 29 attempts, the sixth-highest single-season total in NCAA history. He set a school record by making at least one field goal in every game and he connected on four field goals in a single game twice, against Tulane and UAB. At the completion of his college career, Ruffin’s name was all over the Bearcats’ record book. He currently is first in school history in virtually every kicking and scoring category, including ranking as Cincinnati’s all-time leader in field goals made, with 62, and scoring, with 315 points.

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.