Wisconsin class of 2025 commit Erik Schmidt was named the 2024 recipient of the Kevin Stemke Award on Wednesday.
The award is presented annually to the top Wisconsin high school senior specialist — kicker or punter. Schmidt joins fellow in-state 2025 recruit Cooper Catalano to receive an honor from the Wisconsin Sports Network Senior Football Awards — Catalano who notably set the state record for tackles at the high school level in September.
Schmidt is widely considered one of the nation’s best kickers in the class, and is ranked as a five-star by Kohl’s. The outlet has Schmidt as the No. 1 punter in the nation and No. 8 kicker, per the Wisconsin Sports Network.
This season, Schmidt has converted 9-of-12 field goals and all 57 extra-point attempts. He also averaged over 45 yards per punt. Most notably, the Marquette University High School attendee drilled a 55-yard field goal in the 2024 playoffs.
Erik Schmidt selected to receive Kevin Stemke Award as top senior kicker or punter, part of the WSN Senior Football Awardshttps://t.co/Z7ib8raWAs #wisfb @Erik_Schmidt22 pic.twitter.com/wDtUKFIz83
— Travis Wilson (@travisWSN) November 20, 2024
The 6-foot-1 prospect committed to Wisconsin in late June over walk-on opportunities at Notre Dame, Boston College and Michigan. He projects to join a specialist group currently headlined by kicker Nathanial Vakos and punter Atticus Bertrams.
Based off his recruiting profile, he won’t take long to contribute for Luke Fickell’s program.