Roberto Aguayo, a standout kicker from Florida State University, has received yet another accolade that underscores his exceptional college football career. This week, USA TODAY Sports unveiled its all-decade team for the 2000s, and Aguayo was selected as the first-team kicker, a testament to his remarkable achievements on the field.
The selection process involved votes from over ten writers and editors at USA TODAY Sports, who evaluated the best players from the first quarter-century of the 21st century. Aguayo's inclusion in this prestigious lineup places him alongside numerous Heisman Trophy winners, College Football Hall of Famers, and future NFL stars, solidifying his legacy in college football history.
Aguayo's impressive statistics during his time at Florida State, where he played from 2013 to 2015, made a compelling case for his recognition. He accumulated a total of 405 points, successfully converted all 198 of his extra-point attempts, and made 69 out of 78 field goals. Notably, Aguayo concluded his college career without missing a field goal from within 40 yards, showcasing his remarkable consistency. USA TODAY Sports highlighted these achievements in naming him the top kicker of the century thus far.
His impact was felt immediately during Florida State's undefeated national championship run in 2013. As a redshirt freshman, Aguayo was honored with the Lou Groza Award, recognizing him as the nation's top kicker. He converted 21 of 22 field goals and made all 94 extra points, setting an NCAA single-season record for points scored by a kicker with 157 points, a record that remains unbroken.
Following his stellar freshman season, Aguayo continued to excel, making 27 of 30 field goals in 2014, which earned him consensus All-America honors. In his final season in 2015, he added another 21 field goals to his impressive tally. Over his college career, Aguayo maintained a remarkable 96.73% conversion rate on field goals and extra points, a record that stands as the highest among NCAA players who meet the qualifying minimum.
More than ten years after his last game in Florida State's garnet and gold, Aguayo's three-year tenure at the university remains a benchmark for excellence among college kickers. His selection to the USA TODAY Sports all-decade team further cements his status as one of the premier kickers in college football history, setting a standard that future players will aspire to meet.
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