Fred Mitchell Award 2026 Watchlist

GOLDEN, Colo. - Colorado School of Mines placekicker Preston Kyle has been named to the 2026 Preseason Watch List for the Fred Mitchell Award, recognizing the nation's top place-kickers competing at the FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and NJCAA levels of college football.

Kyle was a semifinalist for the award after his redshirt freshman season in 2025, and has already earned Preseason All-RMAC recognition ahead of the 2026 season. Kyle was the Second-Team All-RMAC placekicker a season ago after going 17-of-23 on field goals and a perfect 44-of-44 on PATs, leading the RMAC in made field goals all conference kickers in scoring (95 points). His long field goal of the season was 56 yards, the longest by an Oredigger since 1997. Nationally, he was tied for second in NCAA Division II in made field goals through the end of the regular season and ranked third nationally among kickers in scoring. 

The Fred Mitchell Award, established in 2009, is presented annually to an outstanding place-kicker competing at the FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, or JUCO level based on excellence on the football field and in the community. The award honors Fred Mitchell's distinguished football career and lifelong commitment to community service.