ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons University placekicker
Pedro Altamirano has been named to the 2026 Fred Mitchell Award Midseason Watch List, recognizing the nation's top non-FBS collegiate placekickers for excellence on the field and in the community. The announcement was made this week by the Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee.
Altamirano is one of 41 kickers nationwide selected for the midseason honor from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA and NJCAA ranks. He is one of seven NCAA Division III kickers included on the prestigious watch list.
On the year, Altamirano is 8-of-9 on field goals and 22-of-22 on extra-point attempts. He hit a career-long 51-yarder last week against McMurry. He also ranks second in Division III with 25 touchbacks on kickoffs.
The Fred Mitchell Award recognizes placekickers for their achievements on the football field while also emphasizing community service and civic engagement. The award's selection process evaluates field goal accuracy, distance, performance in critical moments and contributions beyond athletics.
"We are just about halfway through the regular season and numerous kickers already have distinguished themselves on the field," said Fred Mitchell. "Our Selection Committee will be sorting through the comprehensive list of outstanding kickers who have also stepped up in the community."
About the Fred Mitchell Award
The Fred Mitchell Award annually honors outstanding collegiate placekickers from FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college football programs. The award recognizes excellence both on the football field and in community service, celebrating student-athletes who make a positive impact in their communities while achieving success in competition.
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