Ohio State fans were elated to see their new kicker, Baylor transfer Connor Hawkins, drill a chip-shot field goal during its college football spring practice on Saturday. They are finally able to move past their PTSD from the Big Ten Championship last December.
Jayden Fielding can no longer haunt them!
One easy kick during one single college football practice was more than enough to dispel any concerns about the future of the position. Give him his red stripe!
Who is Connor Hawkins?
Hawkins was rated as a three-star prospect in the recruiting Class of 2024. He ranked as the No. 17 kicker in the country with offers from Arkansas, Texas Tech and Missouri.
Baylor ultimately received his commitment.
The Texas-native appeared in only two games in 2024 and took the year as a redshirt. Connor Hawkins really burst onto the scene as the starting kicker for the Bears last season.
He did not miss any of his 37 PATs and converted 18 of 22 field goals as a redshirt freshman in 2025.
- 4-for-4 from 20-29 yards
- 6-for-6 from 30-39 yards
- 5-for-8 from 40-49 yards
- 4-for-5 from 50+ yards
Hawkins made his career-long from 54 in the season finale and converted two game-winning kicks against SMU and Kansas State. The former was from 27. The latter was from 53.
53-yd for the win gonna hit like crack 😭🙌🏻
— Dex 🌰🦅 (@BuckeyesBuff) January 15, 2026
Welcome Connor Hawkins to Columbus#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/K4tLyJzKcM
Hawkins ultimately decided to enter the transfer portal after the season. He committed to Ohio State and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Ohio State football players must earn their red helmet stripe.
The Buckeyes began their spring practice period on March 10. They will continue with 15 practices prior to the spring game on April 18.
Saturday was Student Appreciation Day, where Ryan Day welcomes students the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to watch as a thank you for their dedication to the program. It is an annual tradition.
Ohio State closed out its practice with a high-pressure situation for its new transfer kicker. Connor Hawkins drained a chip-shot field goal from ~34 yards to end the day.
Connor Hawkins, welcome to Columbus pic.twitter.com/kkUn6iR7v1
— Stefan Krajisnik (@skrajisnik3) April 4, 2026
His teammates and the crowd of students in attendance were elated.
Ohio State closed it’s Student Appreciation Day with a high-pressure kick for Connor Hawkins. He drilled it down the middle. pic.twitter.com/eASMkj2kRb
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) April 4, 2026
Hawkins’ kick presents a stark contrast from Dec. 7, 2025. Jayden Fielding missed a 27-yard field goal that would’ve tied the Big Ten Championship game for the Buckeyes after he talked trash on the sideline.
Fans in Columbus saw enough from Hawkins on Saturday to grant him with his red stripe. They are finally able to move past the catastrophe against Indiana.
For those who don’t know, Ohio State requires every new player to earn the right to be a Buckeye. It was a tradition that started with Urban Meyer. Players must begin their first season with the program with a black stripe down the middle of their helmet. The black stripe is replaced with a red stripe when earned.
For example:
Connor Hawkins’ chip-shot field goal at Student Appreciation Day did not earn him his red stripe from the coaching staff but the fanbase is ready to crown him as their savior. Fielding is out. Hawkins is in.