University of Pittsburgh Athletics
11/5/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Punter Gabe Russo has been named to the 2026 Ray Guy Award Midseason Watch List, announced by the Augusta Sports Council on Thursday.
Russo is one of 63 punters nationally selected for the award, which annually recognizes the top punter in college football.
Through nine games this season, Russo is averaging 43.6 yards on 36 punts, including 15 punts of at least 50 yards and 13 placed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. His longest punt of the season traveled 59 yards.
Russo is coming off a strong performance in Pitt's 34-11 victory over Georgia Tech on October 31. He averaged 47.0 yards on five punts, including three of at least 50 yards, while placing three inside the Yellow Jackets' 20-yard line to match his career high.
The Ray Guy Award, established in 2000, is named in honor of College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Guy. Candidates are evaluated on several statistical categories, including net punting average, percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned. Leadership, self-discipline and contributions to team success are also considered.
The Ray Guy Award Committee will announce 10 semifinalists on November 13, followed by three finalists on November 24. The winner will be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11.
