Nate Kaeding began the 2002 season by making 19 field goals in a row, and finished off his Lou Groza Award-winning campaign by making 21 field goals on 24 attempts. Kaeding set a new Iowa record by converting on 57 extra points, besting the old mark by six, and his 120 total points is the most ever in a single season in the extensive history of the Big Ten Conference for a kicker. The model of consistency, Kaeding made two or more field goals in seven of the Hawkeye’s 13 games. He also put on display his ability to connect on kicks from long-range – Kaeding made eight field goals from at least 40 yards away, three of which were from more than 50 yards out.

Brad Craddock was a star on the first Terrapins team to play in the Big 10 Conference.  The junior kicker ended the regular season with a nearly perfect stat sheet, connecting on 18 field goals in 19 attempts and was 41 for 41 on PATs. A total of 9 of Craddock’s 18 field goals were from 40 yards or beyond. His 95 total points led his team in scoring.  Craddock’s longest field goal of the year connected from 57 yards against Ohio St. Brad was recruited by Maryland while he was playing soccer and Australian Rules Football at Tabor Christian College in Adelaide Australia.