The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
11/5/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB punter Oliver Straw has been named to the 2026 Ray Guy Award Midseason Watch List, the Augusta Sports Council announced Thursday, Nov. 5.
Straw is one of 63 punters selected to the midseason watch list from an initial field of 100 nominees. Named for legendary punter Ray Guy, the award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate punter in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Straw has established himself as one of the nation's premier punters in his first season with the Blazers, averaging a career-best 46.5 yards per punt, ranking ninth nationally and third in the American Conference.
Through eight games, Straw has punted 24 times for 1,117 yards, with 13 of his 24 punts traveling at least 50 yards (54.2%). He has placed nine punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and has yet to record a touchback this season.
Straw has twice matched his season-long punt of 59 yards, accomplishing the feat against East Carolina and South Florida. He also unleashed a 74-yard punt earlier this season that was negated by penalty.
As a team, UAB ranks 30th nationally and fifth in the American in net punting, averaging 41.75 yards per punt.
A transfer from West Virginia, Straw has appeared in 47 career games, totaling 216 punts for 9,332 yards. He is averaging 43.2 yards per punt for his collegiate career.
The Ray Guy Award committee will select 10 semifinalists, who will be announced Nov. 13. Three finalists will be revealed Nov. 24, with the winner announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN on Dec. 11.
The award, established in 2000 by the Augusta Sports Council, recognizes excellence in collegiate punting, with particular emphasis on net punting average, percentage of punts downed inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned. Leadership, self-discipline and impact on team success are also considered.
Straw and the Blazers return to action Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2:30 pm, when UAB hosts Charlotte at Protective Stadium for the 10th annual Children's Harbor Game.
For more information about the Ray Guy Award, visit RayGuyAward.com.
About the Ray Guy Award
The Augusta Sports Council created the Ray Guy Award in 2000 to honor Thomson, Georgia native and College and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Ray Guy. Among the statistics used to identify the winner are net punting average, percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line, and percentage of punts not returned, with particular emphasis placed on net average. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline, and have a positive impact on the team's success.###
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TICKETING: UAB Athletics is making it easier and more affordable for families to cheer on the Blazers with discounted youth tickets for children ages 4-12 at football and men's and women's basketball home games. Youth tickets start at just $15 for football, $10 for men's basketball and $8 for women's basketball, with children ages 3 and under admitted free with a required complimentary ticket. Additional purchase requirements and seating restrictions apply.
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