The University of Oklahoma’s football program has made a significant addition to its special teams by securing punter Jacob Ulrich from Kennesaw State University. Ulrich’s arrival is poised to fill the void left by the departing senior punter, Luke Elzinga, and his impressive track record suggests he will be a valuable asset to the Sooners.
Background and Early Career
Jacob Ulrich hails from Dacula, Georgia, where he attended Mill Creek High School. During his high school tenure, Ulrich showcased his versatility and skill as a kicker and punter. He successfully converted 80 out of 84 point-after-touchdown (PAT) attempts and made 12 of 17 field goal attempts. Demonstrating his powerful leg, 73 of his 110 kickoffs resulted in touchbacks. As a senior, he averaged 42.8 yards per punt, an improvement from his junior year average of 40.4 yards.
Collegiate Performance at Kennesaw State
Ulrich redshirted his initial year at Kennesaw State, preserving his eligibility. In the 2023 season, he appeared in two games, starting one as a punter and another as a kicker, during which he made a 20-yard field goal.
The 2024 season marked Ulrich’s emergence as a standout punter. He punted 75 times, averaging 45.4 yards per punt, with a long of 77 yards. Notably, 27 of his punts were downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, demonstrating his precision and strategic placement. His performance earned him a spot on the final watchlist for the 2024 Ray Guy Award, which honors college football’s top punter.
Accolades and Recognitions
Ulrich’s exceptional punting did not go unnoticed. He was named to the “Ray’s 8” list for Week 1 of the 2024 season after setting a Kennesaw State record by averaging 54.6 yards per punt in a game. This performance included four punts exceeding 50 yards and two downed inside the 20-yard line.
Impact on Oklahoma’s Special Teams
With the graduation of Luke Elzinga, who averaged 45.2 yards per punt on 57 attempts in the previous season, Oklahoma was in need of a reliable replacement. Ulrich’s consistent performance and impressive statistics make him a strong candidate to take over punting duties. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 205 pounds, his physical presence and powerful leg are expected to contribute significantly to the Sooners’ field position strategy.
Competition and Depth Chart
Upon his arrival in Norman, Ulrich will compete with Colorado transfer Ashton Logan, who has been with the Sooners for the past two seasons as a third-string punter. Given Ulrich’s superior statistics and accolades, he is anticipated to have the advantage in securing the starting position.
Future Prospects
Ulrich joins Oklahoma with three years of eligibility remaining, providing the program with stability at the punter position for the foreseeable future. His addition reflects the coaching staff’s commitment to strengthening special teams and ensuring that the unit remains a competitive advantage.
