FSU Football Punter Alex Mastromanno Earns Consensus All-America Honors
Florida State University (FSU) football has had its share of celebrated players, but in 2024, punter Alex Mastromanno solidified his place in the program’s storied history by earning Consensus All-America honors. Mastromanno, a redshirt senior from Melbourne, Australia, was named a first-team All-American by the prestigious Walter Camp, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press (AP), and the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), marking a significant achievement for both him and the university. He is only the second punter in FSU history to earn this distinction, joining Shawn Powell, who received the same honor in 2011.
This remarkable accomplishment makes Mastromanno FSU’s 46th consensus All-American overall, a title that reflects his excellence and consistency on the field. The last time Florida State had a consensus All-American was in 2016, when running back Dalvin Cook and defensive end DeMarcus Walker earned the prestigious title. Mastromanno’s recognition as one of the top punters in the nation was well-earned after an incredible season that saw him set multiple records and cement his place among the best.
Record-Breaking Performance
Mastromanno’s 2024 season was one for the record books. The Australian-born punter led the nation with a remarkable 49.3 yards per punt, setting an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record in the process. His long-distance punting helped set the tone for FSU’s special teams and frequently put opposing offenses in difficult positions. Mastromanno also excelled in other key statistics, leading the nation with 30 punts of 50 yards or more, further underscoring his powerful leg and consistency.
Additionally, Mastromanno’s performance in net punting—often regarded as a more accurate measure of a punter’s effectiveness—was equally impressive. His 45.6 net yards per punt ranked second nationally, showcasing not only his distance but his ability to control the ball and limit returns. He also displayed exceptional precision by downing 17 punts inside the 20-yard line and forcing 18 fair catches, helping to flip field position for the Seminoles.
A Finalist for the Ray Guy Award
One of the most prestigious honors a punter can receive is being named a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation’s best punter. In both 2023 and 2024, Mastromanno earned a spot as a finalist, an impressive feat that highlights his consistent excellence over multiple seasons. In 2023, he was named a second-team All-American, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top punters in the country.
Mastromanno’s success in the Ray Guy Award race speaks volumes about his ability to perform under pressure and deliver in critical moments. His consistent performance in both 2023 and 2024 allowed FSU’s coaching staff to rely on him heavily to control the field and keep opponents from gaining favorable field positions. His 2024 season was a culmination of years of hard work, and earning Consensus All-America status was the fitting reward for his efforts.
Mastromanno’s Career Achievements at FSU
Mastromanno’s career at FSU is filled with accolades and milestones. As of 2024, he became FSU’s career leader in punts, punting average, and total punting yards. With 252 punts for 11,304 yards, Mastromanno surpassed the previous school records held by Rohn Stark, who had recorded 244 punts for 10,418 yards. Mastromanno’s career punting average of 44.9 yards per punt also surpassed the previous record of 44.2 yards per punt, held by Shawn Powell, FSU’s other consensus All-American punter.
Mastromanno’s contributions to the Seminoles’ special teams unit have been critical to the team’s success, particularly in terms of field position. His ability to consistently pin opponents deep in their territory has provided FSU’s defense with excellent starting field position, often forcing the opposing offense to travel a longer distance to score. Mastromanno’s long punts have not only set records but have been an invaluable asset in the Seminoles’ tactical approach to games.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Mastromanno prepares to close out his college football career, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence that will be hard to match. His achievement of Consensus All-America honors not only reflects his individual talent but also the coaching and development he has received during his time at FSU. His journey from Melbourne, Australia, to becoming one of the most accomplished punters in NCAA history is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the game.
With his college career coming to an end, Mastromanno is widely considered one of the top punting prospects for the upcoming NFL draft. His impressive statistics, combined with his reputation for consistently performing in clutch situations, make him a strong candidate for a professional career. It is clear that Mastromanno has the talent and discipline to succeed at the next level, and many scouts will be closely watching his progress in the coming months.
Mastromanno’s rise to Consensus All-America status is a remarkable story of perseverance, dedication, and hard work. For Florida State, his contributions will not soon be forgotten, and his name will be forever etched in the Seminoles’ history books as one of the best punters to ever don the garnet and gold.
