Five-star Arkansas commit Evan Noel comes close to breaking an NFL record 

By Aman Sharma

Modified Sep 30, 2024 13:26 GMT

Evan Noel, a five-star Arkansas commit, etched his name into Mississippi high school football history on September 20, 2024, by nailing an incredible 61-yard field goal during a game against Pass Christian.

This kick shattered the previous Mississippi state record of 59 yards from 1994, and tied the Southeastern Conference (SEC) record of 61 yards held by Missouri’s Harrison Mevis, who set the mark in 2023.

Local sports commentators believe Noel's range may even surpass the range of current NFL kickers. In fact, his 61-yard field goal places him just five yards shy of Justin Tucker’s 66-yard NFL record, which was set under optimal conditions with the Baltimore Ravens.

Per reports, Evan Noel has hit field goals as long as 65 yards during practice.

Entering the game, Noel had made 3 out of 6 field goals, with his long-distance misses: two 54-yarders and a 62-yard attempt. He focused on staying calm and trusting his kicking technique, as he said:

“My Mindset, really, was just nothing to lose,” Noel told Wxxv. “I want more. I want to try more long ones like that. Not just for the record, just to see how it is, get comfortable to kicking those long ones because i am probably going to be doing that in college.”

Earlier this season, he had already set a school record with a 52-yard kick. He has improved in comparison to his previous years—when his longest successful kick was 50 yards.

Evan Noel stays committed to Arkansas despite Florida offer

Despite receiving a scholarship offer from the Florida Gators in July following a summer visit, Evan Noel remains committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Noel, who attends St. Stanislaus, is part of Arkansas’ 2025 recruiting class, which boasts 22 total commitments.

Currently, the Razorbacks rank No. 30 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 13 in the SEC.

St. Stanislaus, where Noel stars, has a 2-2 record this season with victories over Bay and Moss Point. According to the On3 Massey Ratings, the Rock-A-Chaws hold the No. 111 overall spot in Mississippi.

Among the Razorbacks' 2025 recruiting class are three blue-chip prospects: Tavion Wallace, a top-100 linebacker from Appling County in Baxley, Georgia. Kevin Oatis, a four-star defensive lineman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and Grayson Wilson, a four-star quarterback from North Little Rock, Arkansas.