TicketsCINCINNATI — Cincinnati fifth-year punter Max Fletcher has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the 2026 Ray Guy Award, the Augusta Sports Council announced on Friday.
Through 10 games this season, the Melbourne, Australia, native has punted 30 times for 1,353 yards (45.10 gross average) with a 43.43 net punting average. Fletcher has pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line 13 times while forcing 15 fair catches and allowing just six returns for a total of 10 yards. His season long stands at 70 yards, with only two touchbacks on the year.
Fletcher’s career average of 45.3 yards per punt as a Bearcat ranks second all-time in school history, trailing UC Athletics Hall of Famer Kevin Huber (45.47) by a slim margin.
Continuing his community impact off the field, Fletcher has paired up with the Save the Animals Foundation for the second straight season, donating $20 for every punt downed inside the 20-yard line. With 13 punts inside the 20 through 10 games, he has raised $260 for the shelter this season.
A two-time Ray’s 8 selection this year (Week 1 and Week 7), Fletcher was previously named to the Ray Guy Award Midseason Watch List in October.
The 10 semifinalists will be narrowed down to three finalists by a national voting body of Football Bowl Subdivision sports information directors, media representatives, and previous Ray Guy Award winners. The winner of the Ray Guy Award will be announced live during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11.
2026 Ray Guy Award Semifinalists
- Bailey Ettridge, Oregon (So.)
- Max Fletcher, Cincinnati (5th)
- Ethan Hyams, Wake Forest (Fr.)
- Will Karoll, Texas Tech (Sr.)
- Simon McClannan, Kansas State (Sr.)
- Fuller Shurtz, BYU (RS-Jr.)
- James Wagenseller, Army (Sr.)
- Tyler White, Texas A&M (Sr.)
- Palmer Williams, Baylor (Sr.)
- Archie Wilson, Nebraska (So.)
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.
About the Augusta Sports Council
The Augusta Sports Council (ASC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to marketing the Augusta area as a destination for amateur sporting events. The ASC attracts, creates and supports dozens of sporting events and activities each year, generating positive economic impact and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Augusta's River Region. Visit www.augustasportscouncil.org to learn more.