Pitt’s Sam Carpenter: a kickoff weapon still fighting for his place-kicking moment
Sam Carpenter is a redshirt sophomore kicker for Pittsburgh in 2026, known more for leg strength and kickoff value than for gaudy box-score volume. In 2025, he handled the primary kickoff duties and delivered 35 touchbacks on 65 kickoffs, while also making his first career field goal — a 24-yarder against Notre Dame — and finishing the season 1-for-3 on field goals and 8-for-8 on extra points. The appeal is clear: he’s a steady, athletic specialist with real upside if his consistency from distance catches up to his leg.
