TicketsStephen Rusnak is entering his second year with the program after transferring to Cincinnati ahead of the 2025 season. Last ear he connected on 13-of-17 field goal attempts and knocked through all 47 PATs. At one point during the season he was the only kicker in the country who had not missed a field goal since the start of the 2024 season, a streak that only ended with a missed kick at Utah on Nov. 1. Rusnak was named a Preseason All-Big 12 honoree by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
How did you begin playing football?
“I started playing football late in my high school career. I played soccer up until my junior year and then I was told, if you want to go play at the next level, football is where it's at. Take those like talents and go do something with them.”
Who was your favorite player growing up?
“My favorite player growing up is not a football or a soccer player. It's a golfer, Tiger Woods. It's a must, you have to say it. I played high school golf growing up, very similar to football in many ways or kicking.”
What do the fans mean to you?
“The fans, they are everything. I think the fans are what makes this University what it is. I think everybody can remember a night in Nippert and that is an atmosphere you can't replicate in many other places. I mean, the stadium's underground, it's beautiful. At night with a sold out stadium, it's just remarkable.”
What does a Nippert at Night game mean to you?
“A Nippert that Night game means everything. The fans are remarkable. They pack out the stadium, not only on night games, really, every game of the season, whether it be home or even away too, it's awesome.”
What is Nippert Stadium mean to you?
“Nipper Stadium is a special place. I think that when being in that stadium for only seven games of the year, six games of the year, we earn that right to be in that stadium on those days, in the winter, in the summer, in the spring. So I think being able to go defend the Nip, it's everything.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“My favorite football memory, it's tough to beat Iowa State. We had a tough challenge on our hands, a Top 15 team, and to be able to dominate them like we did and every phase. Offense, defense ,special teams, and to be able to rush the field after and feel that sensation I think that was that was probably the best experience."