Idaho State University specialist Gabe Russo has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 FCS Punter of the Year Award, according to an announcement from the Augusta Sports Council.
Russo completed the 2025 season with 38 punts totaling 1,762 yards and achieved a net punting average of 42.95 yards, setting a new record in Idaho State football history. His longest punt of the season was 74 yards against Southern Utah on August 30.
During the season, Russo placed 17 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, accounting for nearly 45 percent of his attempts. He also recorded five touchbacks and forced thirteen fair catches. The Idaho State special teams allowed only thirty return yards on nine attempts.
The FCS Punter of the Year Award was established by the Augusta Sports Council in 2019 to recognize top collegiate punters in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). According to the council, “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 punting average. The winner must display team leadership, self-discipline, and have a positive impact on the team’s success.”
The Augusta Sports Council is a non-profit organization focused on promoting Augusta as a location for amateur sporting events. The council states: “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.”
This year’s semifinalists include Adam Watford (North Alabama), Ben Shrewsbury (Virginia Military Institute), Brady Clark (Princeton), Elliot Huether (St. Thomas), Gabriel Russo (Idaho State), James Platte (The Citadel), John McConnell (Mercer), Max Pelham (South Dakota State), Ryan Marks (Utah Tech), and Thomas O’Hara (Murray State).
A national voting panel made up of sports information directors from FBS schools, conference representatives, and sports writers will select this year’s winner from among these ten semifinalists. Voting opens December 4 and closes December 14 at noon Eastern Time. The recipient will be announced on Monday, December 15.
