ORLANDO, Fla. — When Tennessee and Iowa play on New Year’s Day in the Citrus Bowl, it will be a reunion from down under.
Tennessee’s punter Jackson Ross is from Melbourne, Australia. So is Iowa’s punter Tory Taylor, who is a first-team All-American and the Ray Guy Award winner. They just so happen to be best friends.
Both grew up in Melbourne and attended Hallebury College for high school. The two who will punt against one another on New Year’s Day talk almost every single day.
“We had a lot of common interests like soccer and stuff like that so that’s how we sort of became mates," Ross told WBIR.
The reason Ross decided to come from Australia and play football in the U.S. is because Taylor, who was already playing in the U.S., told him to give it a try.
“I kind of just highlighted it’s such a great opportunity in general," Taylor told WBIR. "I kind of thought it would be a good opportunity for him. I’ve really enjoyed it. He’s good at kicking a ball as well, so why not give it a go?”
Ross tried out for Tennessee virtually, showing he could kick the ball with not only one leg but with both legs. He eventually committed to the Vols in June of 2022.
He just finished up his first regular season in which he saw playing time. As bowl season came around, there was chatter that Iowa and Tennessee could play one another.
It meant the two best friends would play against each other.
“We were talking all day about it because we sort of heard it might happen," Ross said. "We were Facetiming, I was refreshing Twitter a fair bit. Then we finally found out and were pretty stoked it was going to happen.”
The two never thought, while growing up in Australia, that they would play against one another in a college football game halfway around the world. But here they are.
“Absolutely would not have any idea," Taylor said. "Pretty cool thought.”
The UT punter agreed.
“Pretty special for both of us and something we will cherish," Ross said.
The two are very proud of one another. They are excited to see each other on game day.
“It really occurs for a couple minutes of the day, but yeah it’s pretty special so I’m excited for that for sure," Taylor said.
Ross had an idea for after the game.
“Maybe a little jersey swap after the game is in the cards," he said with a smile.
