Notre Dame football kickoff countdown previews No. 92 Zac Yoakam

They might be relatively unnoticed in South Bend, but kickers on the Notre Dame footbal team are often quite important. Some kickers even become quite important if they only become kickers after they leave the Fighting Irish.

With 92 days until the Notre Dame footbal team kicks off its season against Texas A&M. That means today we’re looking at number 92 on the Irish. That just happens to be backup kicker Zac Yoakam. 

Yoakam might not be a name anyone other than die hard Irish have heard of, but he’s had a bigger impact on the team than people think. And with some mystery surrounding the kicking game in 2024, it’s possible that Yoakam could have an impact on the season this year.

Notre Dame football kickoff countdown previews No. 92 Zac Yoakam

Yoakam found a role with the 2022 Notre Dame football team as the kickoff specialist. 

The kicker played in all 13 games kicking off 78 times. Yoakam notched 49 touchbacks for a .628 touchback percentage. The 49 touchbacks ranked eighth most in the nation. He was also someone who even when he didn’t force a touchback, he was plenty effective as he limited opponents to just 19 total kick returns. That number tied for 11th least in the country that season.

In 2023, Yoakam’s role diminished but he did still get on the field at times. He even got to try field goals instead of just kickoffs.

Yoakam got the handle the final extra point kick in the Notre Dame games against Pittsburgh and Tennessee State. He also handled three kickoffs. He showed off he still had plenty of leg as all three kickoffs went for touchbacks.

While Mitch Jeter is on board for the 2024 season, he’s new to the team. It’s possible Yoakam could see spoke more action for the Notre Dame football team this fall.