With Confidence and Composure, Freshman Nolan Hauser Delivers for Clemson

Kicker Nolan Hauser connected on a career-high five field goals, becoming the difference-maker for Clemson (4-1, 3-0) in Saturday's 29-13 victory over Florida State (1-5, 1-4).

Entering the matchup, Clemson had been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 55 points and over 500 yards per game in consecutive wins over Appalachian State, N.C. State, and Stanford. The Tigers once again reached 500 yards of offense but found themselves repeatedly stalling inside the red zone, leading to seven field goal attempts by Hauser, who was a perfect 5 of 5 on field goals in the previous four games. 

The freshman delivered under the lights of Doak Campbell Stadium, making five of those kicks, accounting for 17 total points—five field goals and two extra points—securing ACC Specialist of the Week honors and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award for his efforts as well. 

Hauser's performance drew a stark contrast to the Tigers' early kicking struggles in 2023 when Robert Gunn went just 1-for-4 through the first three games, and Jonathan Weitz missed a potential game-winning 29-yard field goal in the 31-24 overtime loss to the then-No. 4 Seminoles. 

"It’s awesome," said Hauser of his performance on Tuesday. "It’s a blessing to be in this opportunity, especially coming in as a freshman and doing it. It’s really cool. But I definitely couldn’t do it without the whole field goal team."

However, it wasn’t all perfect with the field goal team because two field goals were blocked. He discussed how he was able to block the miscues from his mind.

"There’s nothing you can do about it," Hauser said. "I’ve got a lot of trust in the guys up front, and sometimes it doesn’t go our way. You just have to bounce back."

His ability to brush off mistakes and maintain focus stems from preparation, Hauser explained. Head coach Dabo Swinney has made sure that his players are accustomed to pressure, often placing them in challenging scenarios during practice.

"Just putting us in certain situations -- game-winning field goals, guys all around us at the end of practice, adding on as much pressure as he can for that opportunity," Hauser shared. "Just to go out there and if something like that does happen. How are you going to bounce back? Him putting pressure really helps though."

The confidence that Swinney instills in his kickers was effective on Saturday, as Hauser looked unfazed by the hostile road environment or the momentum shifts after Florida State scored touchdowns.

"Nothing really ever changes on the road for me. It's the same kick. It's the same uprights -- same distance. It's not wider," said the underclassmen about kicking on the road under pressure. "Going back to the pressure coach gives us, it's kind of like, this is the exact same thing I faced in practice. I do it all the time. So what's changed?"

Hauser made field goals of 24, 25, 26, 31, and 38 yards against FSU and additional attempts of 25 and 38 yards were blocked. His longest kicks on the season are from 36 and 38, so he hasn't been challenged with distance thus far. But he's confident he can make any kick when summoned on the field. 

"I go out there with the confidence I can make any kick you line me up for," noted Hauser, the prep national record-holder for career field goals. "My brain is, I'm gonna go out there and do what I do. I know that my confidence is going to help me. So, a miss doesn't affect me. We'll go right back out there and do it again."

For Clemson, Hauser’s confidence and composure will be crucial as they continue their ACC campaign. With Florida State now behind them, the Tigers will hope their freshman kicker’s poise can continue to provide an edge in close games as they chase a conference title and a potential playoff berth.