Bowling Green, KY, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Cole Maynard, punter for the WKU Football team, has been named one of Ray’s 8 for Week 6 by the Ray Guy Award. After a strong performance against Delaware, where he averaged 46 yards per punt, Maynard has made a significant impact this season with the best average in the nation at 50.24 yards per punt. His contributions helped WKU achieve a 5-1 record, marking their first such start since 2015. The team will next face Florida International University.
Bowling Green, KY – Cole Maynard, punter for the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Football team, has been recognized as one of Ray’s 8 for Week 6 by the Ray Guy Award, which honors the best collegiate punters in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Maynard’s impressive performance during the recent game against Delaware solidified his position on this prestigious list.
In the contest against Delaware, Maynard punted three times for a total of 138 yards, achieving an impressive average of 46 yards per punt. Notably, one of his punts exceeded 50 yards, while two were expertly placed inside the 20-yard line. His final punt of the game notably traveled 52 yards and was downed at the Delaware 5-yard line, showcasing his precision and skill.
This season, Maynard has made a significant impact. He has tallied a total of 1,256 yards on 25 attempts, averaging an exceptional 50.24 yards per punt, which is currently the best average in the nation. Out of these attempts, he has recorded 14 punts traveling over 50 yards and eight that were downed inside the 20-yard line, further highlighting his key role in WKU’s special teams. His longest punt this season was an impressive 71 yards against Sam Houston in the opener. Maynard was previously recognized in the Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List and has now made the Ray’s 8 list again after Week 1.
WKU’s victory over Delaware helped the team improve its overall record to 5-1 and a flawless 3-0 in Conference USA play. This marks WKU’s first 5-1 start since the 2015 season. The Hilltoppers secured the win with a score of 27-24, including a pivotal third-quarter surge where they scored 17 points. Significant contributions also came from quarterback Maverick McIvor, who threw for 230 yards and one touchdown, and rushing leader Marvis Parrish, who recorded 27 yards on five attempts. The offensive lineman Laurence Seymore was instrumental in facilitating a total of 338 yards against Delaware.
As a result of their collective efforts, WKU Football earned three Conference USA weekly awards following their win: Maverick McIvor was named the Offensive Player of the Week, Laurence Seymore received the Offensive Lineman of the Week honor, and Marvis Parrish was recognized as the Freshman of the Week.
Looking ahead, WKU will face off against Florida International University (FIU) on Tuesday, October 14, with kickoff at 7 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcasted on ESPNU. Before the game, fans can enjoy a free pregame concert featuring Blanco Brown at 5:30 p.m. CT.
Key Stats from Cole Maynard’s Performance
- Punts for the game against Delaware: 3
- Total yards punted: 138
- Average yards per punt: 46
- Longest punt: 52 yards, downed at the Delaware 5-yard line
- Season total punt attempts: 25
- Season total punt yards: 1,256
- Season average yards per punt: 50.24 (best in the nation)
- Punts over 50 yards this season: 14
- Punts downed inside the 20 this season: 8
- Longest punt of the season: 71 yards against Sam Houston
Upcoming Schedule
- Opponent: Florida International University (FIU)
- Date: Tuesday, October 14
- Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. CT
- Broadcast: ESPNU
- Pregame Concert: Blanco Brown at 5:30 p.m. CT
Background on the Ray Guy Award
The Ray Guy Award is an annual award recognizing the top punter in college football. The award was named after Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy and has become a reputable measure of punting excellence at the collegiate level.
FAQ
What is Ray’s 8?
Ray’s 8 lists the best punting performances each week during the season and honors the top collegiate punter in the FBS.
How has Cole Maynard performed this season?
Cole Maynard has tallied 1,256 yards on 25 punt attempts this season, averaging 50.24 yards per punt, the best in the nation.
What are some notable stats from Maynard’s performance against Delaware?
Maynard punted three times for a total of 138 yards, averaging 46 yards per punt, including one punt over 50 yards and two downed inside the 20-yard line.
When is WKU’s next game?
The next game is against Florida International University (FIU) on Tuesday, October 14, with kickoff at 7 p.m. CT.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
WKU Football Prepares to Host Nevada Wolf Pack
WKU Football Dominates Sam Houston in Season Opener
WKU Football Sweeps Conference USA Awards After Victory
WKU Athletes Shine with Player of the Week Honors
Sam Houston Bearkats Set to Face Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Kentucky High School Football Preseason Rankings Unveiled
WKU Punter Cole Maynard Named to Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List
WKU Football Players Earn Spots on C-USA Preseason Watch List
WKU Football Players Shine on Preseason All-Conference USA Team
WKU Football Players Earn Preseason All-Conference Honors
Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Cole Maynard Named to Ray’s 8 for Week 6
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
- WKU Sports: Trio of Hilltoppers Earn CUSA Weekly Awards
- Google Search: Western Kentucky football
- WBKO: Western Kentucky Football Holds Off Delaware to Remain Unbeaten in CUSA
- Wikipedia: Ray Guy Award
- WKU Sports: Hilltoppers Use Strong Fourth Quarter to Down Nevada
- Google News: WKU football
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