Ohio State Kicker Connor Hawkins Primed for Big Moments

New special teams coordinator Robby Discher confident in Hawkins' clutch ability

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:22pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the motion of a football kicker from multiple angles, using bold colors and sharp planes to capture the raw energy and tension of a crucial field goal attempt.A cubist interpretation of Ohio State's new kicker Connor Hawkins lining up for a crucial field goal attempt, reflecting his even-keeled demeanor and clutch ability.Columbus Today

Ohio State's new special teams coordinator Robby Discher praised transfer kicker Connor Hawkins' even-keeled demeanor and clutch performance, saying "the moment's never too big for Connor." Hawkins, a redshirt freshman transfer from Baylor, made 18-of-22 field goals last season including two game-winners. Discher highlighted Hawkins' mental toughness and the strong chemistry he's developed with punter/holder Joe McGuire and long snapper Dalton Riggs.

Why it matters

Ohio State's kicking game has been an area of concern in recent seasons, with the team lacking a consistent, reliable kicker. The addition of Hawkins and the hiring of a full-time special teams coordinator in Discher represent an effort to shore up this critical phase of the game for the Buckeyes as they aim to compete for a national championship.

The details

Discher praised Hawkins' even-keeled demeanor and ability to perform in clutch situations, noting that "the moment's never too big for Connor." Last season at Baylor, Hawkins was perfect on extra points and made 18-of-22 field goals, including two game-winners. He also brings a stronger leg than Ohio State has had, making three 50-plus-yard field goals with a long of 54 yards. Discher highlighted the strong chemistry Hawkins has developed with punter/holder Joe McGuire and long snapper Dalton Riggs, calling McGuire the "constant" in the special teams room.

  • In 11 games for Baylor last year as a redshirt freshman, Hawkins was perfect on extra points and made 18-of-22 field goals.
  • Hawkins made two game-winning kicks for Baylor last season, including a 53-yarder against Kansas State with 31 seconds remaining.

The players

Connor Hawkins

A redshirt freshman transfer kicker from Baylor who made 18-of-22 field goals last season, including two game-winners, and has a strong leg with three 50-plus-yard field goals.

Robby Discher

Ohio State's new special teams coordinator, who previously led Illinois to a top-10 national ranking in special teams in 2024.

Joe McGuire

Ohio State's punter and holder, who Discher described as the "constant" in the special teams room and a strong leader.

Dalton Riggs

Ohio State's new long snapper, who Discher praised for his accuracy and consistency in snapping the ball for field goals and extra points.

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What they’re saying

“The moment's never too big for Connor. You can tell he's got a good demeanor about it and he's even-keeled, and he's done a good job.”

— Robby Discher, Ohio State Special Teams Coordinator

“Both of them have a really good mindset. They're never too high, they're never too low. You miss a kick, you've already forgot about it by the time you got a next opportunity. ... They're both super competitive, which is a big thing as well.”

— Robby Discher, Ohio State Special Teams Coordinator

What’s next

Hawkins will look to solidify his starting role as Ohio State's kicker during the team's remaining spring practices and preseason camp.

The takeaway

The addition of transfer kicker Connor Hawkins and the hiring of special teams coordinator Robby Discher represent a concerted effort by Ohio State to shore up its kicking game, which has been an area of concern in recent seasons. Discher's praise of Hawkins' mental toughness and clutch ability suggests the Buckeyes may have found their solution at the all-important kicker position.