Nebraska sophomore punter Archie Wilson has been selected as one of 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Ray Guy Award, the Augusta Sports Council announced Friday. The award, named for Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy, recognizes the top collegiate punter in the FBS.

Wilson has established himself as one of the most reliable punters in college football this season. He ranks 21st nationally and third in the Big Ten with a 44.9-yard average on 33 punts. Fourteen of those kicks have landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. His consistency has helped the Huskers rank ninth nationally and second in the Big Ten in net punting at 43.4 yards per punt, while Nebraska also ranks 15th nationally in punt return defense. Just four of Wilson’s 33 punts have been returned, for a total of only 11 yards.

The Ray Guy Award evaluates nominees primarily on overall statistics, with particular emphasis on net punting average, the percentage of punts inside the 20, and the percentage of punts not returned. Candidates are also considered for team leadership, self-discipline, and their overall positive impact on the team’s success.

A national voting body composed of FBS sports information directors, media representatives, and former Ray Guy Award winners will now select three finalists. Voting for the finalists opens Friday, November 14, with the finalists to be announced on Tuesday, November 24. The same voting body will then cast a second round of ballots to determine the winner. The recipient will be revealed live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11.

Wilson is one of several standout punters still in contention. The full list of 2026 Ray Guy Award semifinalists is:

  • Bailey Ettridge, Oregon (Sophomore)

  • Max Fletcher, Cincinnati (Fifth Year)

  • Ethan Hyams, Wake Forest (Freshman)

  • Will Karoll, Texas Tech (Senior)

  • Simon McClannan, Kansas State (Senior)

  • Fuller Shurtz, BYU (RS-Junior)

  • James Wagenseller, Army (Senior)

  • Tyler White, Texas A&M (Senior)

  • Palmer Williams, Baylor (Senior)

  • Archie Wilson, Nebraska (Sophomore)

Wilson will look to continue his strong special teams play on Saturday when the Huskers travel to Rutgers. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. CT, with the game airing on the Big Ten Network and the Husker Sports Network.