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The top returning kickers in college football for 2017 possess both accuracy and legs that can cut the field in half.

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Hero or goat? Besides the quarterback, the kicker might be the most polarizing individual on a college football roster. And with one shift in the winds, he could either be the toast of the town or an on-campus pariah who blew a shot at a nail-biting win. Kickers are rarely discussed until the outcome hangs in the balance. In those pivotal moments, these five specialists are most likely to deliver the upright splitting kick that flips a defeat into a thrilling victory.

5. Tyler Davis, Penn State

Davis’ college career began as a soccer player at Bradley University. He’ll end it as one of the top placekickers in college football. While distance and leg strength are not his strongest suits, he has been remarkably accurate since making the switch in sports and universities. Over the last two seasons, Davis is 30-of-32 on field goal tries, while making all 73 of his extra point attempts.

4. Emmit Carpenter, Minnesota

Carpenter delivered an auspicious debut as the Golden Gopher kicker, which he’ll look to build upon as a junior in 2017. He nailed 22-of-24 field goal attempts to be named the Big Ten Kicker of the Year, a first for the Minnesota program. The Green Bay native handled kickoffs as well and hit both of his 50-yard tries, including a career-best 53-yarder in a Nov. 5 win over Purdue.

3. Gary Wunderlich, Ole Miss

Wunderlich has always been a model of consistency for the Rebels. In 2016, he advertised his versatility as well. Wunderlich was named to the All-SEC Second team a year ago for making 22-of-23 field goal attempts. His only miss was a 55-yarder against Georgia on Sept. 24. However, Wunderlich also flexed his leg on the punt team, averaging 43.7 yards a boot as a complement to regular Will Gleeson.

2. Eddy Pineiro, Florida

The Gators are justifiably excited by the potential of Pineiro, a former soccer star who had very little football experience prior to getting to Gainesville. However, he’s proven to be a quick study. Pineiro was 21-of-25 on field goal tries in 2016, with 13 of his makes coming from beyond 40 yards. Plus, his booming leg affected the defense as well as the offense. Pineiro led the nation with a kickoff average of 64.8 yards, allowing just 15 kickoffs to be returned all season.

1. Daniel Carlson, Auburn

Last season, Carlson was a Groza Award finalist. This fall, he’s determined to capture the annual honor. For better or worse, “Legatron” was one of Auburn’s most consistent weapons of 2016, hitting 28-of-32 field goals, including 11-of-14 outside of 40 yards. The strong-legged Carlson is clutch, experienced and so fundamentally sound that the Tigers have confidence in him from just about any distance and at any time of a game.