BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Football punter Cole Maynard has accepted invitations to NFL rookie minicamps with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The invitations come after Maynard had a historic season for the Hilltoppers in 2025.
Maynard became the first Consensus All-American during WKU's FBS Era (since 2009) and the sixth overall. He became WKU's first Consensus All-American since Buster Ashley received the recognition in 2004. He received Walter Camp All-America Second Team, Associated Press All-America First Team and American Football Coaches Association All-America First Team recognition. He was also named a Fourth Team All-American by Phil Steele following the season. He was named to the AP's All-Bowl Team, was invited to play in the 2026 American Bowl and participated in the NFL Specialist Showcase at the NFL Combine.
Maynard led the nation in punting average during the regular season at 48.7 yards per punt over 51 punting attempts. He was named the CUSA Special Teams Player of the Year and was a First Team All-CUSA selection. He was named to the Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List, the 2025 CUSA Preseason Watch List, and was twice named to the Ray's 8 List honoring the top punting performances of the week. Maynard was also recognized with the top special teams performance of the week in the league twice as CUSA's Special Teams Player of the Week.
The Hilltoppers will open the 2026 season at Nevada on Saturday, Sept. 5.
WKU Football 2026 season tickets are on sale now! Season tickets start as low as $50, and there are several options for different season ticket levels. For more information or to purchase 2026 WKU Football season tickets, click HERE. Are you interested in purchasing 2026 WKU Football tickets but don't know where to start? Fill out this form and a member of the WKU Ticket Office will be in touch soon! All season tickets require an HAF donation.
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