Clune Van Andel Named to Lou Groza Award Watch List
Arkansas State junior kicker Clune Van Andel has been named to the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Watch List, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced Friday. The prestigious honor recognizes the top placekicker in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Van Andel, who was recently named the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year, is one of just 30 kickers nationwide to be included on the elite watch list. He becomes the sixth player in Arkansas State history to earn the distinction, joining the ranks of Red Wolves greats Jeff Caldwell (1994), Josh Arauco (2008, 2009), Brian Davis (2012, 2013), Blake Grupe (2019, 2020), and Dominic Zvada (2022, 2023).
Van Andel had a standout season in 2024, serving as the Red Wolves’ starting place-kicker in all 13 games. He connected on 21-of-25 field goal attempts, including a program-record 17 consecutive makes, and was a perfect 33-for-33 on extra points. His season was highlighted by seven field goals from 40 yards or more, including a career-long 52-yarder against Georgia State. His 96 total points ranked fourth-most for a single season in program history.
In addition to being named to the Lou Groza Watch List, Van Andel earned First Team Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference honors and was recognized by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports as a top special teams performer entering the 2025 season.
The Lou Groza Award, presented by the Orange Bowl, is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which includes 25 of college football’s most prestigious honors. This year marks the 34th presentation of the award, with 20 semifinalists to be announced on November 18. The winner will be honored at a gala banquet on December 8 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Red Wolves, fresh off back-to-back bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl over Bowling Green, continue to build momentum under their current staff. A-State is one of only four FBS programs to increase its regular-season win total each year since 2022.
Arkansas State opens the 2025 season at home on Saturday, August 30, against Southeast Missouri. Kickoff at Centennial Bank Stadium is set for 6:00 p.m.