Alex McPherson recipient of Courage Award after fighting back to kick again

Every year, college football players across the nation face adversity and struggles ranging from illness to family issues and everything in between.

For Auburn kicker Alex McPherson, it has been a two-year struggle with health issues that kept him out for the majority of the 2024 season and his return and performance in 2025 so amazing to watch.

Members of the Football Writers Association of America have recognized what McPherson has gone through, as the Fort Payne, Ala., native has been named the recipient of the 24th annual Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.

Cherry on top for McPherson

“It’s hard to put into words,” McPherson said. “It’s been an awesome year. From the beginning of the season, not even knowing if I'm going to be able to play the full season, to having the decent season I had, and to be able to come back and play with my guys on the team, this award is kind of the cherry on top. It's awesome that I'm able to receive this, and it's just an honor to be able to have it. I’m excited just to see what the future holds now. It's been a long road, but it was definitely worth it in the end.”

After a 2023 season in which he went perfect on field goal and extra point attempts, McPherson found himself struggling with weight loss during the spring of 2024. He was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and lost 55 pounds to 110 pounds. In December of 2024, he had his large intestine removed, and a stoma connected to an ostomy bag outside of his body was inserted.

Looking to continue kicking, McPherson decided to have it placed on the left side of his body so it wouldn't interfere with his right leg.

This season, McPherson converted on 20-of-23 field goal attempts and made all 35 extra points.

“Alex McPherson is a most worthy recipient of this year’s Courage Award,” former FWAA President Matt Fortuna said. “The perseverance that Alex showed to endure what seemed like a never-ending cycle of poor heath, and to adjust to the situation that he found himself in, is a characteristic that everyone in college football could learn from. The fact that he not only returned to the playing field but also proved to be a difference-maker for Auburn this season is a heck of a way to make a statement.”