Transfer Kicker Lucas Carneiro Brings Next-Level Drive to Ole Miss: ‘I Made the Right Choice’
OXFORD, Miss. — When former Western Kentucky kicker Lucas Carneiro entered the transfer portal, he knew his next stop needed to be more than just a change of scenery. It had to be a place that would push him physically, mentally, and ultimately prepare him for the next level. Carneiro believes he’s found that at Ole Miss.
“Lucas the Leg” Carneiro, who has two years of eligibility remaining, was named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year for his outstanding season with the Hilltoppers.
He was 6-6 on field goals from 50+ yards last season, hitting the game-winning 50-yard field goal to punch WKU’s ticket to the 2024 CUSA Championship Game. Carneiro made 18-of-19 field goals last season and connected on all 41 of his extra-point attempts. The North Carolina native made 18 consecutive field goals, breaking the WKU record.
Choosing Ole Miss: A Leap Toward the Next Level
For Carneiro, the decision to join Lane Kiffin’s Rebels was rooted in development.
“One of my big goals is to go to the next level,” he said.
“I felt right when I got here on my visit, like, this is where I need to be. With Coach Schoonover, Coach [Nick] Savage, all the guys in the strength room, and Coach Kiffin, it’s been a big help. I’m hitting the ball a lot better, so I think I made the right choice.”
Lucas Carneiro on choosing Ole Miss
Ole Miss’ weight program, led by Savage, quickly became a cornerstone of Carneiro’s growth, and he credits the intensity and volume of the Rebels’ training regimen for sharpening his leg.
“We would do more here—more reps, more sets,” he explained. “I just took advantage of that because I knew it’s up to me to go with their plan. I trusted it and it’s helped me a lot.”
That trust has translated into distance on the field. Carneiro said Wednesday he recently cleared a 58-yarder by seven yards during stadium work, proof his leg strength is taking a step forward.
Chasing Consistency, Not Comparisons
With NFL kickers routinely drilling 60-yarders—and former Arkansas’ Cam Little making headlines with a 70-yard preseason bomb—Carneiro knows the bar is high. But he isn’t chasing numbers just to keep up.
“That 70-yarder was ridiculous. Props to him. But for me, it’s about staying true to myself. If you start comparing yourself to others, that’s when you lose yourself. If I can consistently do what I’ve done, I’ll be able to reach the next level.”
Lucas Carneiro
Building a Stronger Leg: Flexibility and Precision
For Carneiro, leg power isn’t just about squats. It’s about balance—flexibility, recovery, and precision in contact.
“With my coach back home, working on contact is huge. My leg swing has to be timed up with the ball. In the weight room, it’s strength work, but flexibility is just as big. If I don’t roll out or take care of my body at night, I feel it the next day, and my leg speed isn’t there.”
Training for Game Situations
Ole Miss has made a point to put Carneiro in live, game-like scenarios in practice. He embraces the pressure.
“It’s very realistic. We’ll move the ball, and when it’s fourth down, I’m called on. I treat it just as I would in a game. I take my steps back the same every time. Nothing changes just because it’s practice.”
That repetition fuels his confidence, even when the moment is big.
“When I line up, I try to keep it very minimal. If you’re thinking too much, you lose focus. I don’t say anything until I’ve taken my steps back. Then I just tell myself: swing and contact. Everything else falls into place.”
Lucas Carneiro
Carneiro arrives in Oxford with a steady head, a stronger leg, and an eye on a pro future. But what stands out most is his approach to the game. He’s not just chasing distance—he’s chasing dependability. And that’s exactly what Ole Miss wants when the game is on the line.
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn's love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception. Email Evie at: Evie@TheRebelWalk.com
