AUGUSTA, Ga. – Tennessee redshirt junior punter Jackson Ross has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate punter. Ross is the first Vol to be named a semifinalist since Michael Palardy in 2013.
The semifinalists were selected from a field of 92 nominated candidates. The Ray Guy Award – named for football’s premier punter – honors the nation’s best collegiate punter in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
A native of Australia, Ross is in his third season as Tennessee’s starting punter and has quickly become one of the nation’s most versatile weapons in the field position game, capable of punting with either foot.
Last season, Tennessee led both the SEC and the nation in percentage of punts downed inside the 10-yard line, with 28.3 percent (15 of 53) landing deep in opponent territory. This season, the Vols continue to excel, ranking first in the FBS with 59.3 percent of punts downed inside the 20-yard line (16 of 27).
Ross has recorded 22 career punts of 50 or more yards, including a 56-yarder in the season opener against Syracuse, a 57-yarder vs. Georgia, and a 52-yarder at Alabama. His placement ability has also been on full display, with all three punts at Alabama this season landing inside the 10-yard line, including one at the 1-yard line.
Ross’ career average of 43.4 yards per punt ranks third in Tennessee history.
The candidates were evaluated by the Ray Guy Award committee on their overall statistics and contribution to the team. Particular emphasis was placed on net punting average, percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line, and percentage of punts not returned. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline and have a positive impact on the team’s success.
A national voting body of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) sports information directors, media representatives, and previous Ray Guy Award winners will decide the three award finalists. Voting for the finalists will open on November 15 and close November 23 at 8 p.m. ET. The three award finalists will be announced on Tuesday, November 25. After the finalists are named, the voting body will cast ballots again to determine the Ray Guy Award winner. The winner will be announced live on Friday, December 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
2025 Tennessee Postseason Award Honors as of Nov. 14
RB DeSean Bishop
Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist
LB Arion Carter
Witten Award Semifinalist
DB Colton Hood
Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist
DB Ty Redmond
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist
P Jackson Ross
Ray Guy Award Semifinalist
WR Braylon Staley
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalist
