DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman kicker Aiden Lanier has been named to the 2026 Fred Mitchell Award Preseason Watch List, the Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee announced Thursday.

The Fred Mitchell Award recognizes the nation's top place-kicker competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA levels of college football. The award considers excellence on the field as well as leadership, service and commitment to the community.

Lanier joins B-CU this season after two seasons with Simpson College in Iowa. He achieved All-Conference honors following his junior campaign in which he tied the record for most field goals made in a single season in school history. He played his high school ball at local Spruce Creek High School where he became the program's all-time leader in points scored.

The Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee will evaluate kickers throughout the 2026 season based on field goal accuracy, distance, clutch performance and continued excellence in community service. The award honors the late Fred Mitchell's distinguished football career and lifelong commitment to community service. Since its inception, numerous kickers recognized by the award have gone on to compete professionally, including Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers, who was named to the 2012 Fred Mitchell Award Watch List while at Marist University.

For more information on the Fred Mitchell Award, visit fredmitchellaward.com

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