UNLV Kicker Ethan Schwartz Sets School Record
Ethan Schwartz booted a 60-yard field goal during the UNLV Rebels' loss to Air Force in Colorado Springs.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football
Live Poll
Does watching new athletic records being set make you feel more connected to your local team?
UNLV kicker Ethan Schwartz established a new school record by converting a 60-yard field goal against Air Force. He successfully drilled the long-range kick twice during the game despite the Rebels ultimately falling 41-31.
Why it matters
The record-setting performance highlights a rare individual milestone for a player who also contributes as the team's backup punter. Schwartz shattered the previous university long-distance mark despite the unfavorable final outcome for his squad.
Schwartz successfully hit from 60 yards twice during the game, comfortably eclipsing the 54-yard mark held by Nick Garritano since 1994. The Rebels finished the matchup with a 41-31 loss against Air Force in Colorado Springs.
The players
Ethan Schwartz
He is a UNLV kicker who serves as the team's backup punter and now holds the school record for longest field goal.
Nick Garritano
He is the former UNLV kicker who held the previous school record for the longest field goal with a 54-yard conversion.
The details
Schwartz executed the kick under pressure during a live rush after Air Force attempted to freeze him with a timeout. The kick benefited from the thin air in Colorado Springs as the ball sailed through the uprights to surpass the program record.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: UNLV played against Air Force in Colorado Springs.
Season Trajectory
This record-setting effort provides a bright spot for UNLV during a challenging season despite the team's loss in conference play. The feat elevates the profile of the Rebels' special teams unit as they look to recover in the remaining weeks of the year.
Fantasy football owners should note that Schwartz remains a depth piece on the roster despite his impressive leg strength. The outcome also keeps the Rebels chasing a rebound in the divisional standings following the 41-31 defeat.
The takeaway
Schwartz demonstrated that kicking mechanics and situational poise can overcome even the most difficult game conditions. This milestone serves as a reminder of how quickly individual records can fall in modern collegiate athletics.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the Rebels, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Live Poll
Does watching new athletic records being set make you feel more connected to your local team?
