University of South Dakota Athletics

2024 | Junior
Played in all 14 games for the Yotes, handling most of the kickoff duties, plus longer-range field goals … hit a career-long 52-yard field goal in the season-opener against Northern State (Aug. 29), also marking his first-career collegiate field goal … was 1-for-3 on field goal attempts on the season … had one PAT attempt and converted it … took 90 of the team’s 91 kickoffs with an average of 60.3 yards per kick and 13 touchbacks.
 
2023 | Sophomore
One of 29 Coyotes who competed in all 13 games … served as the Coyotes’ kickoff man all season … had 16 touchbacks on 63 kickoffs … averaged 57.8 yards per kick … average starting position was the opponent’s 24-yard line … made the final extra point in a 35-6 win against Lamar in non-conference play (9/16)

2022-23 | Freshman & Redshirt Freshman (LSU)
Played in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue.

Prep
Longest field goal in school history (53 yards)... most attempted and made PATs in a season... Hit three 50+ yard field goals... Received an all-State selection sophomore year, and all-State honorable mention his junior and senior years... Received All North County Conference Kicker of the Year from 2017-2019... Received the highest academic award titled a Cardinal Scholar.

Personal
Has earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies … is enrolled in USD's MBA program ... Son of John and Dee Mata.