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.

Michael Reeder became the first sophomore to win the Lou Groza Award after a 1995 season that saw him kick 23 field goals, a Texas Christian record, as well as 20 extra points. Reeder further entrenched himself in the long annuals of TCU football by making a school record 13 consecutive field goals. He did not miss a field goal inside of 39 yards, and was often called the Horned Frogs’ security blanket. For his efforts, Reeder was named a consensus All-American. Reflecting on his magical 1995 season, Reeder said, “It means that for at least one year, I was the best college kicker in the country. The countless hours of practice paid off.”