Nebraska Football: Local star Tristan Alvano named starting kicker

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule confirmed in his press conference on Tuesday that freshman kicker Tristan Alvano would be the starter for the 2023 season.

This just adds to what has been a whirlwind year for the freshman. He made 16 field goals as a senior, the most in Nebraska high school football history. The Omaha native kicked five field goals in the state championship game, including the 45-yard game-winner.

Alvano scored 200 points in two seasons as Omaha Westside’s kicker, according to his biography from Huskers.com.

Now, he will have a chance to make an impact at the college level immediately. This is certainly a good story, as the local kid gets a chance make a name for himself. There was a legitimate kicking competition throughout camp, with Alvano battling Timmy Bleekrode throughout the course of preseason camp.

Rhule said Tristan Alvano will be the starting place-kicker. Said he's not prepared to say who will handle the kickoffs.

— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) August 29, 2023

This may seem like a little bit of a surprise, but when you look at his recruitment process, it makes complete sense. There is a reason that two separate Nebraska football coaching staffs wanted him. He is a legitimate talent, and could offer stability for the program for years to come. Stability is something that Nebraska has lacked at the positional unit over the past couple seasons.

On top of this, this shows how many impact players were recruited in the 2023 class. Cameron Lenhardt is looking to make an impact. Eric Fields has gotten praise from the coaching staff. Freshman wide receivers could have a chance to really make their mark here this season. All of this is a credit to the Nebraska football coaching staff, and the fact that they are getting players that can change the direction of the program right away.

As for Alvano, this is his opportunity to shine. He has a chance to make a name for himself not only within the Nebraska football program, but in all of college football. It’s quite a story, and it will be fascinating to see what he does with this opportunity.