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.

Steve McLaughlin finished his four-year career at the University of Arizona by finally winning the 1994 Lou Groza Award. The record-setting Wildcat finished the year making 23 field goals and earned All-American honors. McLaughlin displayed his accuracy by making all 26 extra points that he attempted. He also liked to showcase his explosiveness, as he made field goals from 53 and 54 yards away. McLaughlin tied a school record by kicking at least three field goals in four games. McLaughlin finished his career in Tucson by placing third on the school’s all-time scoring chart with 278 points. The St. Louis Rams drafted him in the third round of the 1995 NFL Draft.