Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Wyatt Bible
Watanabe earns Star of the Week recognition
9/22/2026 2:25:00 PM | Football
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Lou Groza Place-Kicking Award announced its Stars of the Week for Week 3, highlighting three kickers from around the FBS including Fresno State sophomore kicker Manaki Watanabe.
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Watanabe became the first kicker in Fresno State program history with multiple long-distance field goals in a game, accounting for half of his four field goals in the Bulldogs' 26-10 win over San Jose State last weekend.
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The native of Novi, Michigan had makes from 52 and 51 yards out in the first half, scoring the only points for the 'Dogs in the first half. He later added kicks from 44 and 40 yards in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. With a 51-yarder in the week prior, Watanabe is now 3-for-3 from over 50 this season, the first FBS kicker with three long-distance field goals.Â
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Watanabe was also named the Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Spartans, capturing Fresno State's first honor in the new league.
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Fresno State returns to Valley Children's Stadium on Saturday, hosting Rice for a 7 p.m. PT kickoff. Tickets are available here.
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Watanabe became the first kicker in Fresno State program history with multiple long-distance field goals in a game, accounting for half of his four field goals in the Bulldogs' 26-10 win over San Jose State last weekend.
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The native of Novi, Michigan had makes from 52 and 51 yards out in the first half, scoring the only points for the 'Dogs in the first half. He later added kicks from 44 and 40 yards in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. With a 51-yarder in the week prior, Watanabe is now 3-for-3 from over 50 this season, the first FBS kicker with three long-distance field goals.Â
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Watanabe was also named the Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against the Spartans, capturing Fresno State's first honor in the new league.
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Fresno State returns to Valley Children's Stadium on Saturday, hosting Rice for a 7 p.m. PT kickoff. Tickets are available here.
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