Purdue football just snapped a rough Big Ten losing streak that stretched all the way back to 2023, and a freshman kicker, Jacobo Echeverria Lozano, is getting some serious props for it. The league office officially named Lozano the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday, and honestly, it’s about time someone from Purdue got this kind of recognition for getting things done.
Lozano Nails Three Field Goals in Crucial Big Ten Win
This award came right after Purdue’s 24-17 road victory at Illinois last Saturday, a game where Lozano was absolutely money. The dude went 3-for-3 on field goals and nailed his only extra point try. No misses, no drama. Just clutch kicks when his team needed them most. Coach Barry Odom was hyped after the game, calling Lozano “amazing” and giving props to the whole special teams unit. Odom said they’ve had “really good snaps, great holds, really good protection,” but ultimately, Lozano’s “big time kicks” are what make the difference. You know your coach is stoked when he says, “I’m sure glad he’s on our team.” That’s the kind of trust you want to see in a freshman.
A Freshman Kicker, But With Veteran Numbers
Lozano isn’t just a one-game wonder, either. This Pittsburgh native leads Purdue with a staggering 48 points this season. He’s been basically automatic, connecting on 11 of his 12 field goal attempts so far, with a long of 47 yards. Those are numbers you expect from a seasoned vet, not a guy just starting his college career. In fact, his freshman season is already turning heads in the Purdue record books. Only Travis Dorsch, way back in 1998, made more field goals as a freshman with 16. It’s wild because Purdue actually signed Lozano after their previous kicker, Spencer Porath, dipped for Notre Dame after last season. Talk about a glow-up for the program, right?
What This Means For Purdue’s Season
So, what’s next for Purdue? This Player of the Week nod for Lozano is the first since Spencer Porath got it on September 8, 2025. This isn’t just about one guy, though. It’s about a freshman stepping up huge and proving he can handle the pressure in a conference game. The Boilermakers got their first Big Ten victory since 2023 because of performances like this. You gotta believe this kind of confidence, especially in your kicking game, is going to be massive as they push deeper into the season. You’ve got to be hyped about what Lozano is going to do for the rest of the year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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