Australia has seen two of its NFL hopefuls enhance their chances of a career in the big league.

Mitch Wishnowsky and James Smith have both been nominated for the Ray Guy Award, which recognises the best punter in college football.

This is Wishnowsky's third nomination while at Utah and he will be looking to win for a second time after collecting the award in 2016.

Smith is a first-time nominee and has been rewarded for an excellent season in his second year at Cincinnati.

Smith and Wishnowsky currently sit fourth and sixth in the NCAA respectively in terms of average yards per kick, with Smith averaging 46.7 yards and Wishnowsky 45.9.

The pair will be hoping to continue the trend of Australia winning the Ray Guy Award, with Aussies having won every year since 2013.

Both men will be looking to follow in the footsteps of fellows Ray Guy Award winner Michael Dickson, who was drafted by Seattle in the most recent NFL draft.