Manaki Watanabe, sophomore kicker for the California State University, Fresno Bulldogs football team, earned Lou Groza Award Star of the Week and Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors following his performance against San Jose State Spartans football on September 19, 2026.
Watanabe made four field goals in Fresno State’s 26-10 victory at Valley Children’s Stadium, including two long-distance kicks of 52 and 51 yards in the first half. These were the first multiple field goals over 50 yards by a Fresno State kicker in a single game.
Entering the game with a 51-yard field goal the previous week, Watanabe is now 3-for-3 on field goals over 50 yards this season, becoming the first FBS kicker to achieve this mark in 2026. His week three performance also earned Fresno State its first Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week award.
The Bulldogs will host Rice on September 26, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. PT at Valley Children’s Stadium.
CSB Take
Manaki Watanabe’s breakout performances on long-distance field goals have made a significant impact early in Fresno State’s 2026 season. His historic accuracy and range at the kicker position provide the Bulldogs with a reliable scoring option that can shift momentum and extend leads. As the team navigates its inaugural Pac-12 season, Watanabe’s consistency will be vital in close matchups and in establishing Fresno State’s competitive presence in the conference.
Source: Original report
