WVU Kicker Josh Lambert Ruled Ineligible For First Three Games Of 2016 Season

West Virginia kicker Josh Lambert will not be with the Mountaineers for the first three games of the season, per Fox Sports.

#WVU kicker Josh Lambert was found in violation of Big12 eligibility rules & declared ineligible for first 3 games in 2016, per source.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 15, 2016

According to the report, Lambert was found in violation of of Big 12 eligibility rules. He will miss games against Missouri, Youngstown State, and BYU. He will return for the Big 12 opener against Kansas State.

Dana Holgorsen had announced a couple weeks ago that Lambert, Jovon Durante, Larry Jefferson, and Donte Thomas-Williams would be suspended for spring practice.

Per Mike Cassaza, the suspension was initially going to be longer.

Source: Lambert violated conference eligibility rules. Initial suspension was to be significantly longer. WVU appealed, and ban was reduced.

— Mike Casazza (@mikecasazza) April 15, 2016

Lambert, a 2014 Groza award finalist, made 21 of 28 field goal attempts last season. Mike Molina will likely replace Lambert.