Florida punter Clark named to Ray Guy Award midseason watch list
Story by
Florida punter Clark named to Ray Guy Award midseason watch list
Michael Trim Jr, Gators Wire·Gators Wire
·
2 min read
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Floridafootball standout punter Alec Clark earned national recognition for his performance this season, landing a spot on theRay Guy Awardmidseason watch list, the Augusta Sports Council announced Thursday.
The fourth-year transfer from Tulane is among 63 punters selected from an initial pool of 100 nominees for the award, which annually recognizes the nation's top collegiate punter.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Evaluators assessed candidates on several statistical categories, including net punting average, percentage of punts downed inside the 20-yard line, and percentage of punts not returned.
In his first season with theGators, the Australian punter has established himself as one of the SEC's most productive specialists. Through eight games, Clark has recorded 26 punts for 1,248 yards, averaging 48 yards per attempt.
11 of his punts have landed inside the 20-yard line, while 10 have traveled at least 50 yards.
Clark's 42.46-yard net punting average ranks third in the SEC and 19th nationally, highlighting his ability to consistently flip field position for Florida.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
One of Clark's strongest performances came against then-No. 7 Texas, when he totaled 311 yards on six punts, averaging 51.83 yards per attempt. He also delivered a career-long 75-yard punt, with two attempts traveling at least 50 yards and two landing inside the 20-yard line.
The Ray Guy Award committee will narrow the field to 10 semifinalists on Nov. 13, then select three finalists through a national voting process. The winner will be announced Dec. 11 during The Home Depot College Football Awards.
Clark and Gators return to action Nov. 7, hosting Oklahoma at 7:45 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks with Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball as Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends as Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators tight end Lacota Dippre (17) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Williams (83) carries the ball as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9), defensive back KJ Bolden (4) and defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) makes the tackle during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) catches a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) breaks up the pass intended for Florida Gators wide receiver Jaden Edgecombe (23) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
Florida's Jon Sumrall speaks on Georiga loss, looks ahead to Oklahoma
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks with Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/11
Florida's Jon Sumrall speaks on Georiga loss, looks ahead to Oklahoma
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators head coach Jon Sumrall speaks with Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart prior to the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/11
Final score, recap and analysis from Florida's rough loss to Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nate Frazier (3) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/11
Florida slips but remains in The Athletic re-rank top 25 after Week 9
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball as Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) defends as Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) carries the ball during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Aaron Philo (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators tight end Lacota Dippre (17) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/11
Florida falls out of US LBM Coaches Poll top 25 after rivalry game rout
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Justin Williams (83) carries the ball as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Chris Cole (9), defensive back KJ Bolden (4) and defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) makes the tackle during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/11
Florida's Tramell Jones Jr. to start at QB against Oklahoma in Week 10
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. (9) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/11
DJ Coleman, Bailey Stockton react to Florida's loss to Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) catches a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/11
Bailey Stockton earns offensive player of the game in rivalry loss
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Bailey Stockton (3) runs the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/11
PHOTOS: Top highlights from Florida's 2026 rivalry game vs Georgia
Oct 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Florida Gators safety DJ Coleman (33) breaks up the pass intended for Florida Gators wide receiver Jaden Edgecombe (23) during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
