GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Senior long snapper Rocco Underwood has been named to the 2025 Patrick Mannelly Award watch list after winning the award following his performance throughout the 2024 season.

The Patrick Mannelly Award was first issued in 2019 and is given to the best long snapper in college football. Named after Patrick Mannelly who played as the long snapper for Duke University from 1993 to 1997 and was the long snapper for the Chicago Bears from 1998 to 2013. During his time in the NFL, Mannelly never recorded a bad snap and was accredited to playing a pivotal role in the success of the kickers he played with. The award benefits Bernie’s Book Bank which is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding ways to help children develop their reading skills by providing free books to help build their home libraries in the local Lake Buff, Illinois area.

The reigning award winner looks to continue his past successes on the field with senior punter Tommy Doman who transferred into the program from the University of Michigan and senior kicker Trey Smack. In 2024, Underwood improved his game in every way by playing a total of 103 snaps, recording three tackles and having one fumble recovery on the season. Underwood also a total of 56 successful punt coverages and 57 successful field goal and extra point attempts.

The 30 man watch list will be narrowed down to ten semifinalists on Nov. 17, with the three finalists being announced on Dec. 1 and the winner being selected on Dec. 13, 2025.

Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List