Provo, Utah – On Saturday morning, the BYU campus lawn became the stage for a life‑changing moment when freshman Carter Smith stepped up for Pat McAfee’s nationally televised “Kicking Is Easy” contest. After a missed first attempt, Smith nailed a second field‑goal kick that sent the ball cleanly through the uprights, securing a $3 million cash prize and a spot in the contest’s elite winner’s circle.
From nerves to triumph
Smith, a 21‑year‑old dentistry major, described the pressure of the moment: “I was shaking so bad, the nerves were crazy, which obviously didn’t help when you’re kicking.” The crowd of students, cheerleaders, and on‑lookers watched as the ball was placed on the lawn, and Smith’s second kick sailed perfectly, prompting an immediate burst of celebration.
“When I put it through the uprights, my immediate reaction was just … I was jumping up and down. I was so happy,” Smith recalled, his voice still echoing the excitement that filled the stadium.
Family reaction from Iowa
While Smith celebrated on the field, his parents in Iowa were receiving a flurry of text messages. “We started getting texts that Carter was live on TV,” said his mother, Hannah Smith. “We knew he was in line but we had no idea that he had been chosen or that he was in the running for the top 300, which is what they narrowed it down to initially.”
His father, Matt Smith, added, “It’s been a blur. This was just a little more than 24 hours ago this was kind of happening, I guess. It’s starting to set in. It’s still surreal for all of us.”
Future plans stay grounded
Despite the windfall, Smith emphasized that his academic and career goals remain unchanged. “I still want to be a dentist. It’s not like I want to drop out of college now that I have this money,” he said. “If anything, it’s going to be an opportunity to be a dentist a little bit easier and to be able to help people faster.” He also indicated that the majority of the prize will be invested to fund his education and future endeavors.
Community impact
The win has resonated across the BYU community, highlighting the university’s blend of athletic spirit and academic ambition. Local fans and alumni praised the achievement, noting how the contest showcases the talent and determination of student‑athletes. The event also underscores the growing popularity of fan‑engagement contests that blend entertainment with substantial charitable or prize components.
Pat McAfee, former NFL punter and the contest’s creator, congratulated Smith and noted that the competition aims to bring excitement to football fans while offering life‑changing opportunities. “We wanted to give everyday people a chance to experience the thrill of a big‑time kick and, for some, a chance at a big prize,” McAfee said.
Looking ahead
Smith’s victory adds a feel‑good story to Provo’s sports calendar and serves as an inspiring example for other students balancing rigorous studies with extracurricular pursuits. As the campus returns to its regular rhythm, the memory of that decisive kick will likely be recounted for years to come, reminding the community that perseverance and faith in one’s abilities can yield extraordinary results.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Utah County — read the source article.
