Luke Drzewiecki becoming a weapon for Gophers’ Special Teams
Minnesota kicker Luke Drzewiecki nails a 46-yard field goal in the final seconds to beat Iowa 13-10 Saturday October 24, 2026 at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MINNEAPOLIS — The fifth-year senior is coming off his best performance of the season, and after receiving some national recognition, the kicker is now surfacing on everyone’s radar.
Luke Drzewiecki is no stranger when it comes to delivering in the clutch. Drzewiecki’s game-winning, 46-yard field goal against Iowa is a testament of his hard work, and dedication. He’s making a tremendous impact in his first year with Minnesota, and it appears the best is yet to come.
After all, Drzewiecki has yet to miss a field goal this season. The Michigan native showed his leg power and accuracy on all 12 of his attempts, which included a career-long, 51-yarder in the victory at Washington. The Golden Gophers likely would’ve lost to the Hawkeyes if it wasn’t for Drzewiecki’s heroics and mental toughness.
However, he credits his supporting cast on special teams, which includes long snapper Alan Soukup. The duo continues to create magic on the gridiron, and Drzewiecki is enjoying every moment of it. Minnesota (5-2) drew first blood against Iowa with Drzewiecki’s 31-yarder in the first quarter. Although his second field goal sealed the game, Drzewiecki never felt any pressure because he trusted Soukup.
“Honestly, I was more nervous for the first kick of the game,” Drzewiecki said. “It becomes a very simple game when all I’m focused on is time, and the belief that I have in Allen to get the ball where it is to kick, it’s a very simple job.”
Being cool, and calm in high-pressure situations comes natural to Drzewiecki. He spent his first four years at New Mexico, where Drzewiecki became the program’s all-time kick scoring leader. No doubt that success has followed him to Minnesota, and he’s a big reason why the team is currently tied for third in the Big Ten standings.
Coach P.J. Fleck values what Drzewiecki brings to his program, and admires how he handles the big moments. The walk-off field goal for Floyd of Rosedale is making Drzewiecki a household name, yet he remains humble. Regardless, Drzewiecki’s success doesn’t surprise Fleck, who believes the kicker is starting to crack the surface of his potential with the program.
“He’s so business-like, he (Drzewiecki) just does his job, has a routine, and when you’re that experienced, and you’ve been in that many games, and those high-pressure situations, it’s not shocking,” Fleck said. “You’re just thankful that you have a kicker like that.”
The cherry on top for Drzewiecki’s memorable performance is earning the Big Ten’s Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Experiencing moments like that is why he’s glad to be a Golden Gopher, and loves the locker room culture. Fleck doesn’t want to keep putting him into numerous field goal situations, because it means the offense isn’t scoring touchdowns.
Still, Fleck trusts that Drzewiecki is going to deliver whenever he calls his number out on the field. Most importantly, Fleck appreciates Drzewiecki’s parents for raising an individual who’s never afraid to rise to the occasion, and is building a lasting legacy with the program.
“He’s got a special family, and it was amazing recruiting him.”
