USC Punter Lachlan Carrigan Details His Australian Path

The Australian transfer is making a major impact for the Trojans during his first season with the program.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Soccer

USC Punter Lachlan Carrigan Details His Australian Path

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Transfer punter Lachlan Carrigan is bringing his Australian-rules football background to the USC special teams unit. Through seven games this season, he has established himself as a key weapon for the 16th-ranked Trojans.

Why it matters

Carrigan turned to American college football following injuries and missed opportunities in the Australian Football League, eventually training through the Prokick Australia program. His unique skill set now provides USC with versatile punting options as the team pursues a playoff berth.

Carrigan has recorded 598 total yards on 12 punts this season, maintaining an average of 49.83 yards per kick. He currently averages 1.7 punts per game while serving as the primary holder for field goals and extra points.

The players

Lachlan Carrigan

He is a transfer punter for the USC Trojans who played Australian-rules football until age 20.

USC

This university is currently ranked 16th and features a football program that competes in the national college football landscape.

Prokick Australia

This program specializes in training Australian athletes to transition into punting roles within American college football.

The details

Carrigan utilizes five to six distinct punting variations based on specific field position demands. He maintains his readiness by practicing leg swings and kicking into a net, a routine refined during his two years in the Prokick Australia program.

2007: The Prokick Australia program was established.
Last year: Carrigan played at his previous program, Memphis.
Current season: Carrigan has punted 12 times across seven games.

Season Trajectory

Carrigan is part of a growing trend of international specialists reshaping college football special teams through the Prokick Australia pipeline. His ability to perform at a high level helps stabilize USC's field position as the team maintains its standing among the nation's top 16 programs.

Carrigan's low volume of 1.7 punts per game prevents him from meeting the 3.6 punts per game threshold required for national award eligibility. His versatility with 10 available punting variations provides the coaching staff with tactical options to pin opponents deep in critical late-game scenarios.

The takeaway

Carrigan shows that professional-level dedication in a foreign discipline can translate to immediate success in American college sports. His journey highlights how specialized training programs can provide a crucial bridge for international athletes looking to compete at the highest collegiate levels.