Tyler Hwang showed no signs of trepidation.
Half a million dollars on the line. Pigeonholed inside a sea of people. One kick to change his life, broadcast nationally on ESPN’s “College Gameday.”
With one chance to make a kick from 33 yards Saturday in Nashville before No. 10 Vanderbilt hosted No. 15 Missouri, Hwang drilled it right down the middle.
Hwang, a 2024 graduate of Dover-Sherborn High School who attends Vanderbilt, hit what ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit called “the best kick” they had seen on Pat McAfee’s kicking contest.
Hwang, who hails from Dover, kicked for the Raiders’ football team during his senior year in 2023. He also noted on the broadcast that he played soccer his entire life. He majors in chemical engineering and economics as a Vanderbilt sophomore.
After Hwang celebrated, an astounded Kirk Herbstreit lauded him for “the best kick we’ve ever had” on the show.
“You said it’s been two years?” said McAfee, his left arm around Hwang. “I think maybe you should start sending some tape out to colleges around the country. You murdered that, brother.”
It’s not an easy kick to make under any circumstances, never mind with everything that’s at stake. Hwang’s attempt left no doubt as it sailed through the uprights with ease.
“Probably helping my parents help me out with that,” said Hwang, on what the money will go toward. “Just so exciting. Can’t believe it.”
Prior to Hwang’s kick, $1.8 million had been paid out in prizes and another $1.45 million went to charity, combining for a $3.25 million payout. After Hwang’s $500,000 prize and another $250,000 donation to charity, those numbers reached an even $4 million.
Sarah Fuller presided over the festivities. Fuller was a goaltender on the Vanderbilt women’s soccer team who stepped in to kick for the football team in 2020. Prior to his kick, Fuller instructed him to lock his foot.
Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.