Wisconsin K Nathanial Vakos sets program record with 50-yard FG vs. Penn State

Wisconsin kicker Nathanial Vakos set a program record for the most 50-plus-yard field goals with his 50-yard make to open the Badgers’ Week 9 contest against No. 3 Penn State.

The long-distance make is Vakos’ fourth from beyond 50 yards since taking over as Wisconsin’s kicker in 2023. According to the NBC broadcast, that sets a program record.

The former Ohio transfer is 22/30 (73%) on field goal attempts in his year-and-a-half as the Badgers’ starting kicker. Specifically, those totals include 1/1 from inside 20 yards, 6/6 from 20-29 yards, 8/10 from 30-39, 3/6 from 40-49 and 4/7 from 50-plus.

Vakos’ long-distance make is great news for the Badgers’ chances after his relative struggles to begin the 2024 season. He was nearly flawless in 2023, going 14/15 from inside 50 yards. Those numbers have regressed a bit to begin 2024, though are sure to be helped by his long make against Penn State.

His current standing on Wisconsin’s other all-time kicker leaderboards include No. 6 in field goals made (22), No. 7 in points (125) and No. 5 in field goal percentage (73%). Rafael Gaglianone (2014-18) leads the program in nearly everything, and was tied with Vakos at three 50-plus-yard-field-goal-makes entering Saturday.

Wisconsin currently trails top-ranked Penn State 7-3 early in the second quarter. Vakos and the Badgers are looking for a defining victory to entering longshot contention for the Big Ten title and expanded College Football Playoff.

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