Lewis Howes is a lifestyle entrepreneur and business coach. He has a wildly successful podcast entitled “The School of Greatness” where he brings on leading experts in health, fitness, entertainment, relationships, and finance. He ends all of his interviews by asking each of his guests the same question, “What is your definition of greatness?” That is the very question we tackle today. Jonathan Garibay displayed elite-level talent in the kicking game for Texas Tech. But did Garibay’s performance warrant consideration for the greatest kicker in Big 12 history?
2021 Season
Garibay was a major role in helping secure a Texas Tech bowl birth this season. And while he was snubbed for a finalist for the Lou Groza award, his numbers were eye-popping. He was 49-of-50 (98%) on PATs and 15-of-16 (93.8%) on field-goal attempts. Those numbers were good enough to earn Garibay first-team All-Big 12 honors. Garibay tied a school record for consecutive made field goals (13). He also connected on two game-winning field goals this season. Garibay also had one of the biggest special teams plays in all of college football this season. One of those game-winning field goals came from 62 yards away for a walk-off victory over Iowa State. The 62-yarder is not only a school record but a Big 12 record.
But What About His Other Seasons?
This is where defining Garibay’s legacy gets tricky. He began his collegiate career in the junior college ranks at Riverside City College. During his two seasons, he combined to finish 106-of-112 on PATs and 15-of-20 on field goal attempts. Once he joined the team in 2019, he redshirted and didn’t see the field until the 2020 season. Garibay did have a game-winner in the 2020 season, but only went 6-of-7 on PATs and 8-of-11 on field goals. When considering his junior college numbers as well, Garibay’s college career ends 161-of-169 (95.2%) on PATs and 38-of-47 (80.9%) on field goals.
Other Potential Candidates For Greatest Kicker In Big 12 History
Mason Crosby set or tied 19 Colorado records and was named an All-American twice. He was a four-year starter for the Buffs. He would finish his career going 113-of-121 (93.3%) on PATs and 71-of-95 (74.7%) on field goals. Crosby was also known for his clutch kicking, connected on 14-of-18 field goals in the fourth quarter.
Martin Gramatica is another four-year starter making his case for the greatest kicker in Big 12 history. This Kansas State Wildcat won the Lou Groza Award in 1997. He would finish his career 187-of-192 (97.4%) on PATs and 54-of-70 (77.1%) on field goals.
Dan Bailey holds the Big 12 record for most consecutive field goals made in a season (17). That mark set in 2010 helped this Oklahoma State Cowboy secure the Lou Groza Award. Bailey went 199-of-201 (99%) on PATs and 57-of-72 (79.2%) on field goals.
Quinn Sharp was the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the year in both 2011 and 2012 at Oklahoma State. During those two seasons, he was 151-of-152 (99.3%) on PATs and 50-of-59 (84.7%) on field goals.
Alex Henery made a big impact for the Nebraska Huskers both as a placekicker and punter. But his accuracy as a placekicker is not only is best in Big 12 history but in the NCAA history book. He finished 193-of-194 (99.4%) on PATs and 68-of-76 on field goals (89.5% is best all-time in NCAA history).
So…Is Garibay The Greatest Kicker In Big 12 History?
No. Did Garibay have one of the greatest seasons in Big 12 history? Yes. The Red Raider kicker’s season of true greatness is going to be remembered for his efforts in the 2021 season. That should always be celebrated. After seeing him blast that kick from 62 yards away, there is a real argument to be made why Texas Tech didn’t utilize its most accurate offensive weapon more this year (I can hear the advanced analytics crowd gathering their pitchforks now on how a field goal is viewed a failed possession). But in order to be considered the greatest kicker in the Big 12 history, the player has to have more than one stellar season at the Big 12 level. And while Garibay’s career numbers go toe-to-toe with all of the kickers listed, this legacy kick for the Big 12 history is one of only a very few that falls short for Jonathan Garibay.
