Kansas State's McClannan Earns Ray's 8 Recognition
The Kansas State punter was named to the Ray's 8 list of the week's best eight punters after a career-best performance at Colorado.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
Kansas State punter Simon McClannan was named to the Ray's 8 list of the week's best eight punters after setting a new career high with a 53.67-yard average at Colorado. He is in contention for Ray Guy Punter of the Week, which will be announced Tuesday.
Why it matters
McClannan's performance has put him among the top punters in the Big 12 and nationally, with his season average ranking in the top five in the country. The recognition highlights the impact special teams play can have on field position for Kansas State.
McClannan leads the Big 12 with 16 punts of 50 or more yards and ranks second in the conference with 15 punts landing inside the opponents' 20-yard line. His career average of 43.86 yards per punt ranks second in program history.
The players
Simon McClannan
Simon McClannan is a punter for Kansas State from Omaha, Nebraska, whose performance has placed him among the nation's top special teams players this season.
The details
McClannan's career-best performance came at Colorado, where five of his six punts traveled at least 50 yards. The Colorado Buffaloes began drives inside their own 20-yard line on two occasions after his punts.
Timeline
Last week: McClannan posts his career-best performance at Colorado.
Monday: The Ray's 8 list is announced, naming McClannan.
Tuesday: The Ray Guy Punter of the Week award is announced.
Season Trajectory
McClannan's recognition comes as the Big 12 punting race takes shape, with his 16 punts of 50 or more yards leading the conference. His rise places Kansas State's special teams in the national conversation for the season's top punters.
McClannan's 48.40-yard season average and 16 punts of 50 or more yards make him a notable special teams asset for Kansas State. Fantasy and football observers tracking punting efficiency can use these metrics to compare him with other Big 12 punters.
The takeaway
McClannan's performance shows how a punter can shift field position for an entire game. Tracking metrics like punts inside the 20 and net yardage offers a clearer view of special teams impact than average alone.
What happens next
The Ray Guy Punter of the Week award will be announced Tuesday, when McClannan's candidacy will be decided.
Further reading
Explore more Manhattan football coverage for context on the Wildcats' season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Little Apple Post.
