Penn State’s Ryan Barker Emerges as Clutch Kicker in Fiesta Bowl Win

Ryan Barker, the redshirt freshman kicker for Penn State, has quickly become a household name after his game-winning performance in the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound kicker calmly nailed a 36-yard field goal in overtime to secure a 31-14 victory for the Nittany Lions on Jan. 1, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Barker’s journey to becoming Penn State’s starting kicker was anything but conventional. A former soccer player, he only began kicking footballs the summer before his freshman year at Kennett High School in Pennsylvania. “Kind of just took a football and a pair of sticks to the field and started kicking around as a joke, and then just kind of took off from there,” Barker said.

After a rocky start to the season, with Penn State’s initial kicker Sander Sahaydak struggling, Barker seized his opportunity. He took over the starting role in Week 5 against UCLA and has since been a model of consistency, making 14 of 17 field goals and all 45 of his extra-point attempts. His clutch performance against USC in October, where he went 4-for-4 on field goals including the game-winner in overtime, solidified his reputation as a reliable kicker.

“I mean, it’s been a roller coaster of emotions for sure, kind of going through every bit,” Barker said. “Being on every part of the depth chart throughout the season, but I try to handle my emotions as best I can and don’t take my eyes off the prize and just can’t keep going on a game-by-game basis.”

Special teams coordinator Justin Lustig praised Barker’s demeanor, saying, “Since I got here in January, he’s been ice cold, in terms of demeanor and what you want out of a kicker. Not too high, not too low. And he makes his kicks, so we’re excited about him and his future.”

Barker’s success is a testament to his mental toughness and the support of his family. His father, Christopher Barker, an athletic trainer and head of Health and Physical Education at the Burlington County Institute of Technology, has been a significant influence. “Sports have always been part of our family fabric,” Christopher Barker said.

As Penn State looks ahead to the Orange Bowl, Barker’s role will be crucial. His ability to perform under pressure has already made him a key player for the Nittany Lions, and his future looks bright. “I think the biggest thing is just how much you believe in yourself and just trusting yourself that you can get it done,” Barker said. “The prize will take care of itself as long as you just keep working hard and stay the course.”