Bill O'Brien Seeks Kicking Consistency From Lombardo

The Boston College head coach calls for improvements after recent field goal and extra point misses.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football

Bill O'Brien Seeks Kicking Consistency From Lombardo

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Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien has publicly requested better performance from kicker Luca Lombardo. This follows a stretch where the kicker missed two extra point attempts and a field goal in the last two games.

Why it matters

Lombardo struggled with accuracy after prematurely lifting his head during his kicking motion, prompting concerns about reliability as the season progresses. The team even utilized freshman Jonathan Hewitt for an extra point attempt during their recent victory against Georgia Tech.

Lombardo is currently 6-for-8 on field goals this season compared to his 16-for-17 record in 2025. Additionally, he missed a 48-yard field goal attempt and multiple extra points during recent play.

The players

Bill O'Brien

He is the head coach of the Boston College football team.

Luca Lombardo

He serves as the primary kicker for the Boston College football team.

Jonathan Hewitt

He is a freshman kicker for the Boston College football team.

The details

Lombardo, who was perfect on 35 extra point attempts in 2025, has encountered technical difficulties that caused him to lift his head immediately upon contact with the ball. While Boston College defeated Georgia Tech 49-27 last Saturday, the coaching staff opted to substitute freshman kicker Jonathan Hewitt for one extra point attempt due to these accuracy concerns.

During the 2025 season, Lombardo maintained high kicking consistency.
On October 24, 2026, Boston College defeated Georgia Tech 49-27.
On October 27, 2026, Bill O'Brien commented on Lombardo's performance after practice.

Season Trajectory

The Boston College football special teams program sets a high bar for accuracy that impacts game-day strategy. Recent performance struggles mark a departure from the efficiency established in 2025 and could influence coaching decisions for the remainder of the season.

The coaching staff's decision to utilize Jonathan Hewitt for an extra point indicates a potential rotation change or increased competition for kicking duties. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor if the team shifts away from Lombardo in close-game scenarios.

The takeaway

Maintaining consistent mechanics is critical for specialists who face immediate public scrutiny after missed opportunities. Athletes must prioritize rigorous technique refinement to regain the confidence of their coaching staff during the competitive season.