Gabe Panikowski Set To Make an Immediate Impact This Season

STILLWATER – Of all of the much talked about transfers coming into the Oklahoma State football program this offseason, one of the most productive may be one who didn’t make a large splash upon signing. Idaho State transfer Gabe Panikowski fills a need at the kicker position, after Logan Ward went 12-17 on field goal attempts in 2024. 

While Idaho State went 5-7 last season, Panikowski finished a perfect 15-15 on field goals, two from beyond 50 yards, and 44-47 in total kicks on the season. His efforts earned him the 2024 Fred Mitchell award for best non-FBS kicker, as well as first team FCS All-American honors, in addition to a preseason Lou Groza award nomination. 

Idaho State Athletics

Gabe Panikowski

In spite of all the accolades, Panikowski said at Saturday’s media availability that his focus remains unchanged.

“All of those preseason awards are just a side effect of the success that I had. But, you know, I’m just really putting my head down and focusing on what I have to achieve this year and making sure that I put up points for the football team for this upcoming season.”

The senior from southern California who started his career at Sacramento State credits strong coaching relationships with bringing him to Stillwater.

“Coach Snyder came down to California, and we just had a little discussion, and he was in a search for a kicker, so we made it happen. Coach Snyder is a wonderful coach, and he is very understanding with the kicking scheme and the kicking game and the mental side of kicking as well. He’s absolutely phenomenal.”

Panikowski also seems to be meshing well into the Stillwater community, even with its differences from southern California. 

“The people here are very lovely. They’re also very personable, which I like, as well. I like people who communicate and are very understanding with one another; who’s not necessarily as superficial with things. It’s refreshing to be here and to meet a lot of cool people from all around the world, playing the same sport that I’m playing and who love the same game.”

Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

Panikowski in fall camp

Shortly after arriving on campus, Panikowski posted videos of himself hitting kicks from the turf on Boone Pickens Stadium, showing off range that he claims has only improved since last year.

“I wanted to try a 60-yarder last year. We tried multiple attempts to try to kick it in practice, but we weren’t able to get the ball down, unfortunately. But right now, comfortably I’ll take 64.” 

He says his confidence also comes from his teammates, and the shared goal for success.

“They love the game of football. When you have people who are moving as one unit and are driven to go to the NFL, or just to be a part of something great, it’s a phenomenal force to be a part of and so it’s just a lot of fun.”

Though he’s in a larger stadium now than he was at Holt Arena in Idaho, and acknowledges the larger stage, Panikowski is poised to be a productive member of the program and lead the cowboys to a successful season.

“We’re in a big environment here, it’s a big program, there’s a lot of lot of fans who are diehard football people. In terms of kicking, no matter what, the yardages are still the same no matter where you go. So, it’s really just preparing yourself mentally and making sure that every kick is the same and that you’re able to just perform no matter where you are.”