Bradley Thao Named To Fred MItchell Watchlist

Central Oklahoma Freshman Kicker Among The Best In The Country

Central Oklahoma freshman Bradley Thao was named to the 2026 Fred Mitchell Award midseason watchlist it was announced Wednesday.

"We are just about halfway through the regular season and numerous kickers already have distinguished themselves on the field," said Fred Mitchell. "Our Selection Committee will be sorting through the comprehensive list of outstanding kickers who have also stepped up in the community."

Thao is a freshman from Bixby, Oklahoma. He handles kickoff and field goal responsibilities for the Bronchos and has made an immediate impact at Central.

Leading the team in scoring, Thao is 19-for-19 on PATs in six games this fall. He is also 10-for-12 (83.0 pct.) on field-goal attempts this fall. On kickoffs, Thao averages 60.8 yards per kick and has 12 touchbacks on 32 kickoffs this season.

Thao was named MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week after UCO's 59-7 win at Texas Wesleyan in Week Zero. He scored 10 points in the game and converted all seven PATs. He earned the award again following a 19-14 win over No. 7 Northwest Missouri in Edmond last month. In that game, he made four field goals including a season-long 46-yarder. He scored 13 points in the contest.

Thao leads UCO in scoring this season with 49 points. He ranks fifth nationally in field goals per game (1.67) and 11th nationally in field-goal percentage (83.0).

UCO is 3-3 this season with a 2-2 record in the MIAA. The Bronchos visit No. 8 Emporia State on Saturday afternoon. The Hornets of Emporia, Kansas are 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the MIAA this season.

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Players Mentioned

#47 Bradley Thao: K; 6' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#47 Bradley Thao
: 6' 1"; Freshman
: K

Players Mentioned

#47 Bradley Thao

Players Mentioned

#47 Bradley Thao