Lexington, Kentucky, January 13, 2026
Tom O’Hara, a talented punter from Murray State, has announced his commitment to the University of Kentucky. This move continues the tradition of recruiting Australian punters for the Wildcats. O’Hara averaged 44.9 yards per punt during his last season with a remarkable 69-yard longest punt. His addition is expected to bolster Kentucky’s special teams as he transitions from ProKick Australia, further cementing the program’s strategy to enhance performance through international talent.
Lexington, Kentucky – Murray State punter Tom O’Hara has announced his commitment to the University of Kentucky, adding to the Wildcats’ roster and continuing the tradition of recruiting Australian specialists. O’Hara made his decision public on January 12, 2026, and is now the third Australian punter to join Kentucky’s football program.
O’Hara showcased remarkable punting skills during his time at Murray State, notably in the 2024 season where he averaged 44.9 yards per punt, placing him third in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC). He logged a remarkable longest punt of 69 yards against South Dakota, which ranked as the third-longest in the MVFC that season. Additionally, O’Hara was effective in pinning opponents back with 13 punts that landed inside the 20-yard line, securing a second-place finish in the conference for this statistic.
The University of Kentucky has a notable history of bringing in Australian punters, a trend that O’Hara’s recruitment further cements. His commitment follows previous Australian specialists who have made significant contributions to the Wildcats’ special teams.
Before his collegiate career, O’Hara honed his skills at ProKick Australia, a well-respected kicking academy that has produced many successful punters for American football programs. This training prepared him to perform at a high level in the collegiate arena.
O’Hara’s addition is expected to enhance Kentucky’s special teams, providing them with a strong option for punting. His impressive track record at Murray State suggests he will be able to make an immediate impact on the team.
Tom O’Hara’s commitment reflects the University of Kentucky’s ongoing strategy to boost their special teams with international talent. Given his strong performance and specialized training, O’Hara is poised to play a crucial role in Kentucky’s football program.
FAQ
Who is Tom O’Hara?
Tom O’Hara is a punter from Melbourne, Australia, who played for Murray State University before committing to the University of Kentucky.
What were O’Hara’s statistics at Murray State?
In the 2024 season, O’Hara averaged 44.9 yards per punt, ranking third in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), with a longest punt of 69 yards against South Dakota.
What is ProKick Australia?
ProKick Australia is a renowned kicking academy that trains Australian athletes for punting positions in American football, producing numerous successful punters for collegiate programs.
How does O’Hara’s commitment affect Kentucky’s special teams?
O’Hara’s addition is expected to strengthen Kentucky’s special teams unit, providing a reliable punter with a proven track record at the collegiate level.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Tom O’Hara |
| Position | Punter |
| Previous School | Murray State University |
| Commitment Date | January 12, 2026 |
| Training Academy | ProKick Australia |
| 2024 Season Average | 44.9 yards per punt |
| Longest Punt | 69 yards against South Dakota |
| Conference Ranking | Third in MVFC |
Now Happening on X
- @LEX18News (January 8, 2026, 8:30 PM) Preliminary numbers show a significant drop in violent crime for the fourth consecutive year, with community violence down 60% since 2021. View on X
- @SpectrumNews1KY (January 8, 2026, 11:30 AM) Violent crime continues to trend downward in Lexington, but work is far from over according to Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers’ outlook for 2026. View on X
- @FOX56News (January 12, 2026, 10:00 AM) Lexington officers said their response to a call starts long before someone dials 911, highlighting proactive public safety measures. View on X
- @BristowatHome (January 9, 2026, 11:01 AM) Specific details from the Lexington Police Department on recent crime trends and public safety updates. View on X
- @FOX56News (January 6, 2026, 9:00 AM) Authorities reported one person injured in a Tuesday morning crash in Lexington. View on X
- @heraldleader (January 7, 2026, 11:30 AM) London council and mayor pass emergency budget measure to address city finances, impacting regional political developments. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
