In a major special teams win, Duke football has secured a commitment from Gavin Strange, a standout kicker/punter from national powerhouse Southlake Carroll High School (TX) and the No. 1-ranked kicker in the country by Chris Sailer Kicking.
Strange announced his commitment to coach Manny Diaz and the Blue Devils on June 23, just days after a dominant showing at Duke’s specialist camp — where he won all punting and kicking competitions and nailed a 58-yard field goal that turned heads across the staff.
The Lone Star standout isn’t afraid of contact either.
🎯 Clutch Kicker, Dual Threat
A Class of 2026 All-State selection, Strange hit the game-winning 36-yard field goal in the Texas 6A state semifinals as the clock expired — helping Southlake Carroll reach the title game in the Lone Star State’s most competitive division. He finished the 2024 season with 100 kicker points, going 76-of-78 on PATs and 8-of-11 on field goals, with a long of 47 yards.
Strange’s talents extend beyond field goals. He’s a true combo K/P with elite hang time (4.15+) and kickoffs that regularly reach 70+ yards, according to Chris Sailer’s scouting report. Duke offered the day after he camped — and locked in a commitment just days later.
“Gavin is a phenomenal high school kicking prospect. He is a great looking athlete with a big time leg … He hits a pure, accurate ball off the ground and easily has 55+ yard range… His kickoffs are fantastic, a major strength. His best ball measures 70+ yards, with 4.15+ hang time. A competitor who thrives under pressure.” — Chris Sailer Kicking scouting report
Chris Sailer Kicking #1 Kicker in the country @GavinStrange1 (2026, TX) drills a 36-yard Game Winning Field Goal to help his team (Southlake Carroll, TX) advance to State! Take a look… #TeamSailer #TOP12 pic.twitter.com/NS6PJhfGyQ
— Chris Sailer Kicking (@Chris_Sailer) December 17, 2024
🧠 Student-Athlete, All-Around Athlete
Strange holds a 4.17 GPA and scored a 1510 on the SAT, per his social media. He’s also a starting center fielder for Southlake Carroll’s baseball team and — remarkably — plays defensive back on one of the top high school football programs in the country.
In 2024, he recorded 41 tackles (33 solo), one interception, three pass breakups, and earned First-Team All-District 4-6A honors on defense.
🏈 Recruitment Rundown:
- Committed: Duke (June 23, 2025)
- Other recent offers: Tulsa, SMU, UNLV
- K/P Ranking: No. 1 nationally by Chris Sailer Kicking
- Academics: 4.17 GPA | 1510 SAT
- Special Teams Weapon. Two-way Starter. Big-time Get.
Duke’s 2026 class continues to take shape, and with the addition of Gavin Strange, the Blue Devils just secured one of the nation’s elite specialists — and a player with the poise, intelligence and upside to impact the program in multiple ways.
See the rest of Duke’s growing 2026 recruiting class plus commits to other North Carolina college programs: Visit our NC College Commitment Tracker.
Duke kicks off the season on Thursday, Aug. 28 at home against Elon. Check out the Blue Devils’ full 2025 football schedule.
