South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger invited to participate in 2025 NFL Combine
After a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl, former South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger has been invited to the 2025 NFL Combine.
On Sunday, the two-time All-American shared the news with GamecockCentral.
“It means the world to me. As a kid growing up with dreams of playing in the NFL, the combine is what you hope to get to for the NFL process,” Kroeger told GamecockCentral. “I’m just super excited for this opportunity and grateful to be able to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL.’
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Last year, the NFL created a specialist showcase, part of the NFL Combine, to allow more exposure for punters, kickers, and long snappers to earn opportunities with NFL teams. This year’s NFL Specialist Combine will be held from Feb. 25-27 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
An All-American in 2022 and 2004, Kroeger earned All-SEC recognition in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He also was named to the Freshman All-SEC team in 2020. This past season, he set a new single-season program record as he averaged 47.8 yards per punt. He also finished his career second all-time in Gamecock history for punting, averaging 44.6 yards per kick. Only Joseph Charlton averaged more yards per punt during his South Carolina career. Kroeger holds the record for most games played in a career at USC (61) with teammate Tonka Hemingway. He also completed 7-of-10 passes for 205 yards with three touchdowns, with a 341.2 career quarterback rating.
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On Thursday, Kroeger played in the 100th edition of the East-West Shrine Bowl. During the game, he punted four times and averaged 47.5 yards per punt. Two of Kroeger’s punts were downed inside of the 20. The only punt that was returned went for one-yard, which came on a 56-yard bomb that reached the nine-yard line.
GamecockCentral subscribers can hear more from Kroeger in an exclusive interview that will be published on Sunday morning. In that interview, Kroeger provides a detailed look at what this past week was like for him as a specialist at the Shrine Bowl, which NFL teams have talked to him, why playing at South Carolina has helped his stock, his thoughts on how USC’s special teams room is looking moving forward, and more. CLICK HERE to learn more about subscribing to GamecockCentral.
