True Freshman Kicker Asher Murray Pushes for Texas A&M Starting Role
Source: KBTX News 3 Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — When Stacy Ballew, head football coach at C.E. Byrd High School, first sent his kicker onto the field for a 50-plus-yard field goal attempt, the opposing sideline erupted in disbelief. "Those coaches are like, 'What the hell's going on?'" Ballew recalled. But for the Byrd team, it was routine. That kicker, Asher Murray, now a true freshman at Texas A&M, is already replicating that shock factor in Aggieland.
Murray arrived in College Station as a three-star kicking prospect, but his path to prominence was unconventional. He spent his first two high school years as a backup quarterback and kicker, behind his older brothers Thomas and Abram. It wasn't until his junior season, after Abram signed with Miami, that Murray shifted to kicking full-time. His leg quickly gained attention. During his senior year, he drilled a career-long 56-yarder against Benton High School, tying the school record and falling just four yards short of the state mark set by Georgia's Peyton Woodring in 2022. He also went 76-for-84 on extra points and recorded 78 touchbacks on 97 kickoffs. By the time he graduated, 247Sports ranked him the No. 3 kicker nationally in the class of 2026.
Now, Murray is pushing for playing time in a Texas A&M kicking room that desperately needed an upgrade. The Aggies brought in graduate transfer David Olano from Illinois, a proven kicker with a career 37-of-43 field goal mark and an 89.7 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 13th nationally. Olano has been an All-Big Ten honorable mention the past two seasons and connected on a 50-yarder against Kansas in 2024. Head coach Mike Elko targeted him early in the transfer portal process, calling him a "kid that we coveted" and noting that he was pursued by top programs across the country.
Despite Olano's experience, Elko has not yet named a starter. Halfway through preseason camp, the competition remains tight. "I think they've been really, really good," Elko said Tuesday. "I think they've been more consistent. I think we've got range and depth, which has been really good. So, yeah, I think both those guys are kicking at a really high level."
The need for reliability is clear. Last season, Texas A&M's kicking game faltered badly. Randy Bond and Jared Zirkel combined to make just 16 of 26 field goal attempts, including a dismal 5-for-7 from 20 to 29 yards. Zirkel missed a kick inside 29 yards in the College Football Playoff matchup against Miami, and he finished last on PFF's national list with a 61.5 grade. Elko acknowledged the deficiency during an offseason press conference: "We all know that we weren't quite up to standard last year, and I think retooling that room is really important."
Murray's role is still taking shape. He is likely to handle kickoff duties, but his strong spring performances have opened the door for field goal attempts. Ballew, his former coach, believes the freshman will thrive. "The first time he kicks a long one, his teammates are going to love him, and that's going to happen over and over and over again," Ballew said.
For now, the Aggies have two capable kickers battling for the starting job. Whether Olano's experience wins out or Murray's raw talent breaks through, Texas A&M appears to have solved its kicking woes—at least on paper. The final decision will come before the Sept. 5 season opener against Missouri State.
Article commentary
The kicking competition at Texas A&M offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving dynamics of college football special teams. On one hand, the Aggies have David Olano, a graduate transfer with a proven track record and all-conference recognition. On the other, true freshman Asher Murray brings raw power and a compelling backstory. Head coach Mike Elko's decision to keep the race open speaks to both the parity between the two and the program's urgent need to stabilize a position that cost them dearly last season. Olano's credentials are hard to ignore. A 37-of-43 career field goal percentage—including 12-of-14 from 40-49 yards—demonstrates consistency under pressure. His 89.7 PFF grade placed him among the nation's elite, and his experience in high-stakes Big Ten games should serve him well in the SEC. However, his career-long is only 50 yards, which may limit Texas A&M's range in long-distance situations. That's where Murray enters the picture. The freshman's 56-yard high school bomb suggests he can push the limits of the Aggies' field goal range, a weapon that could prove decisive in close games. Murray's journey from backup quarterback to top-ranked kicking prospect is a testament to his athleticism and work ethic. His high school coach, Stacy Ballew, initially saw him as a quarterback, not a kicker. That versatility might translate to more than just field goals—Murray could also handle kickoffs, and his athletic background could make him a threat on fake kicks. The fact that he is already pushing a veteran transfer for the starting job, despite being a true freshman, indicates that his talent is legitimate. From a strategic standpoint, Elko's approach makes sense. Keeping both kickers engaged through competition typically elevates performance. The Aggies' special teams unit was a glaring weakness in 2025, and Elko made it a priority to retool after taking over. By adding both a proven veteran and a high-upside freshman, he has created a safety net. If Olano struggles early, Murray can step in without a significant drop-off. Conversely, if Murray wins the job, Olano provides experienced depth. Critics might argue that the extended competition could create uncertainty, especially with the season opener approaching. But Elko's public comments suggest he is comfortable with the situation. The team's kicking game has been more consistent in camp, and both players are pushing each other to improve. That internal competition often yields better results than a clear-cut starter who coasts through practice. Looking ahead, the decision may hinge on more than just statistics. Field goal kicking in college football is as much about mental toughness as technique. Olano's experience in hostile environments gives him an edge. However, Murray's confidence—evident from his high school exploits—suggests he is not easily rattled. The Aggies' coaching staff will likely evaluate both in scrimmage situations and make a call based on performance under simulated game pressure. Ultimately, this kicking battle is a microcosm of Texas A&M's broader rebuild under Elko. The program is stockpiling talent at every position, including special teams, which often gets overlooked. If the Aggies can turn a weakness into a strength, it could be a decisive factor in a competitive SEC schedule. Whether it's Olano's steadiness or Murray's booming leg, Texas A&M appears to be in better shape than it was a year ago.