ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell University junior kicker Alan Zhao has been named to the 2025 Fred Mitchell Award Watch List. The Award is presented annually to the nation's top place-kicker in FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NJCAA for excellence on the football field and in the community.

Zhao, a Marriottsville, Md, native, earned the recognition following an outstanding 2024 season in which he established himself as one of the most reliable kickers in the Ivy League. The junior converted 13-of-14 field goal attempts and was 33-of-34 extra points.

Zhao's field goal range proved valuable throughout the 2024 campaign, with successful kicks from multiple distances. He was perfect inside 30-yards, 9-of-10 from 30-39 yards, and 2-of-2 from 40-49 yards, with a long of 48 yards.

The Big Red finished the 2024 season with a 4-6 overall record and 3-4 in Ivy League play.

Cornell opens its 2025 season Saturday, Sep. 21 on the road against UAlbany at 7 p.m.