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.

Kai Forbath, a junior from Pacific Palisades, California, enjoyed a successful season making 26 of his 29 field goal attempts which was second in the nation and was a perfect 23 of 23 from inside fifty yards. He also connected on 3 of 6 attempts of fifty yards or farther and kicked four field goals in a game twice this season. His 283 career points rank fifth all-time on the Bruins scoring list, while his 9 field goals from 50 yards or farther are a UCLA record.