Ohio State Backs Baylor Transfer Connor Hawkins as New 'Clutch' Kicker

Overview

• Ryan Day and special teams coordinator Robby Discher endorsed Hawkins as "clutch" after Friday's spring practice, with Discher saying the moment is never too big for him.
• Hawkins went 18-for-22 on field goals at Baylor last season, was perfect on extra points, and made three kicks from 50 yards or more, including a 53-yard game-winner against Kansas State.
• Discher said trust is building with punter and holder Joe McGuire, and he praised incoming long snapper Dalton Riggs for delivering consistent laces that reduce ball spinning on holds.
• Ohio State restored a full-time special teams coordinator by hiring Discher, who helped Illinois post a top-10 special teams ranking in 2024 and worked with All–Big Ten kicker David Olano.
• Coaches view Hawkins’ range as filling a gap for a program without a 50-yard make since 2019, though his performance in Columbus remains untested in a game.