In a thrilling display of skill and precision, Wisconsin kicker Nathanial Vakos has etched his name into the Badgers’ football history by setting a new program record for the most field goals of 50 yards or more. This remarkable feat was achieved during the Badgers’ Week 9 matchup against the highly ranked No. 3 Penn State, where Vakos successfully converted a 50-yard field goal to kick off the game.
This latest achievement marks Vakos’ fourth successful kick from beyond 50 yards since he took over as Wisconsin’s starting kicker in 2023. His performance has been closely monitored, and according to NBC’s broadcast, this record-setting kick officially places him at the top of the program’s history for long-distance field goals.
Vakos, who transferred from Ohio, has demonstrated impressive consistency during his tenure at Wisconsin. Over the course of a year and a half, he has completed 22 out of 30 field goal attempts, achieving a success rate of 73%. His statistics break down as follows: he has made 1 out of 1 attempts from inside 20 yards, 6 out of 6 from 20-29 yards, 8 out of 10 from 30-39 yards, 3 out of 6 from 40-49 yards, and 4 out of 7 from distances of 50 yards or more.
Vakos’ recent long-distance success comes as a welcome relief after a rocky start to the 2024 season. In 2023, he was nearly perfect, hitting 14 out of 15 field goals from within 50 yards. However, his performance dipped slightly at the beginning of the current season, making his record-setting kick against Penn State a significant boost for his confidence and the team’s morale.
In addition to his record for 50-plus yard field goals, Vakos has also made notable strides in other all-time kicking categories for Wisconsin. He currently ranks sixth in field goals made with 22, seventh in points scored with 125, and fifth in field goal percentage at 73%. The previous record for 50-plus yard field goals was held by Rafael Gaglianone, who played from 2014 to 2018 and was tied with Vakos at three successful attempts prior to this latest game.
As the Badgers faced off against the top-ranked Penn State team, they were trailing 7-3 early in the second quarter. The pressure was on both the team and Vakos to secure a victory that could potentially elevate their standing in the Big Ten Conference and enhance their chances for an expanded College Football Playoff bid.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Nathanial Vakos to see how he continues to perform under pressure and whether he can further solidify his legacy as one of Wisconsin’s greatest kickers. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness how his record-breaking abilities will influence the Badgers’ performance in the remainder of the season.
For those following the Wisconsin Badgers closely, updates on the team’s performance, player statistics, and game analyses are available through various channels, keeping fans engaged and informed as the season unfolds.
