For an Australian kicker from Gerringong, New South Wales, getting the chance to punt in the United States has been an experience unlike anything Nathan Tiyce could have ever imagined.

After committing to Mississippi State, Tiyce made the nearly 10,000-mile move across the world to begin his collegiate career in 2025. At the conclusion of his freshman season, he decided to enter the transfer portal, ultimately committing to Matt Campbell and Penn State.

While Tiyce still has adjustments to make heading into Big Ten play, particularly when it comes to consistency, he has found success and great joy in his first three games as a starter.

“Going into Beaver Stadium, it’s one of the harshest environments in college football,” Tiyce said. “Just getting used to that environment is very fun and exciting.”

Penn State fans would prefer to see as little of Tiyce as possible this season, as is the nature of the game. 

But even after a stalled offensive drive, the sophomore punter understands that it’s his job to maximize the situation, giving the Nittany Lions any advantage they can to be successful.

Playing a season in the SEC was the source of this mindset for Tiyce. Whether it was traveling to Texas A&M or Florida, he quickly adapted to the American college football culture, understanding the magnitude of playing in front of large crowds and die-hard fans.

“I understand the scale of it and how important it is to get a good head start and get those first couple wins,” Tiyce said. “It’s all about edges. If you can get a close win, that just builds confidence for your team.”

Gaining that edge often comes with downing punts to pin the opponent deep, something Tiyce has been appreciative of his teammates’ ability to do so.  

So far this season, Tiyce’s punts have been returned for a grand sum of zero yards, and three of the nine total punts have come to rest inside the 20-yard line, thanks in large part to the speed and skill of Audavion Collins and Xxavier Thomas.

“They make my job 10-times easier,” Tiyce said. “On some of those going-in punts, they’re already down there on the goal line, waiting for it to get to them. Having those fast dudes who can fly down there and definitely get to the returner, and if not make a big play where it lands inside the five [yard line], it gives me full confidence to just put it down there and have their full trust to go and make the play.”

Looking ahead, Penn State is set to begin the most difficult stretch of its schedule, featuring an evening game against Wisconsin and night games against Northwestern, USC, and potentially Michigan.

Maintaining a schedule and sense of rhythm will be key to Tiyce’s success in these late kickoff times, and he will aim to keep his routine the same as it’s been with primetime looming. 

“I try to either visualize or just relax and just treat it as if it’s another day,” Tiyce said. “Try and conserve as much energy as possible. Watch some college football games and just hang out with the boys.”

One of these upcoming games will be unlike the rest for Tiyce.

His parents are set to travel from Australia to Penn State for the White Out to watch their son play. It will be the first time they pay a visit to State College, Pennsylvania, and just their second time in the United States.

Tiyce’s girlfriend and five of his “mates” are also scheduled to be in attendance.

Having a support system in the crowd is something Tiyce is looking forward to, but more than anything, he is excited for his parents to experience the thrill of a Penn State gameday.

Specifically, Tiyce is enamored with the miles of packed tailgate lots and elaborate RV setups that make up the fabric of Saturdays in Happy Valley.

Conversing with Penn Staters is something Tiyce has found great value in, making him feel at home despite the geographical divide.

“[Fans] hear my accent and they always ask, ‘What made you come over here?’” he said. “Just being able to have conversations with everyday people, which is the coolest thing ever because I was no different a few years ago, working on a farm. Being able to just be as genuine as possible and have those conversations is very cool.”

While Centre County has Tiyce’s heart, Australia will always be home. During his time at Penn State, he has found another connection to his roots through a former Aussie punter who once donned the blue and white as well: Riley Thompson. 

Thompson was on the sideline during the Buffalo game and has been an inspirational and integral part of Tiyce’s adjustment to college football. 

Preparing Tiyce for the atmosphere of playing in Beaver Stadium, as well as the cultural differences of life in central Pennsylvania, has been a priority of Thompson’s and something Tiyce hasn’t taken for granted.

“It’s unreal,” he said. “He’s invaluable, really. I’m so happy he’s here, and yeah, I wouldn’t want anyone else.”