Seminoles Host Transfer Kicker Conor McAneney Amid Special Teams Shake-Up
With two kickers departing the program-Jake Weinberg trending toward Miami and Brunno Reus heading to Missouri-Florida State is actively exploring its options to fill a key spot on special teams. On Friday morning, that search brought Quincy University freshman Conor McAneney to Tallahassee for a visit.
McAneney, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound kicker out of Northern Ireland, had a solid freshman campaign at Quincy. He went 7-for-10 on field goal attempts, good for a 70% conversion rate, with a long of 45 yards.
From 40 yards and beyond, he was 3-of-6, showing some range but also leaving room for growth. One of his attempts was blocked, but he was perfect on extra points, going 4-for-4.
On kickoffs, McAneney averaged 60.2 yards per attempt and recorded 16 touchbacks on 49 total kicks. Only one of those went out of bounds-a stat that speaks to his control and consistency in the kickoff game, which is often overlooked but critical in the field position battle.
What makes McAneney’s story especially intriguing is his background. Hailing from Plumbridge in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, he didn’t grow up in the American football system.
Instead, he played Gaelic football while attending CBS Omagh, a sport that shares some similarities with American football but demands a different skill set. That transition from Gaelic football to college football in the U.S. is no small feat, and McAneney’s early success suggests he’s adjusting quickly.
For Florida State, bringing in a kicker with live-game experience-even at a lower level-could be a strategic move. With the roster in flux and key special teams roles up for grabs, McAneney’s visit signals that the Seminoles are serious about finding a reliable leg to stabilize their kicking game heading into next season.
It’s still early in the process, but McAneney’s combination of size, leg strength, and international pedigree makes him a name to watch as FSU reshapes its special teams unit.