Michigan State's punter pipeline surges as Ryan Eckley joins the NFL ranks, continuing a legacy of elite leg power and precision.
Michigan State is quickly becoming known as “Punter University,” with the last two Spartan punters entering the NFL as some of the league’s top prospects.
This year, Ryan Eckley was selected 211th overall, the 30th pick in the sixth round, by the Baltimore Ravens.
This marks the second consecutive Spartan punter to be drafted into the NFL, joining Bryce Baringer, who continues to represent the green and white at the professional level and helped represent the AFC in the Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
In 2025, Eckley was the lone bright spot on a Spartan team that struggled mightily. But for a punter, as much as you want to see your team win, having to punt often isn’t the worst thing for your own brand.
Eckley quickly gained the attention of peers and scouts alike. After finishing as a Second Team All-Big Ten selection as a redshirt sophomore, it was clear the job wasn’t finished.
He entered the 2026 season with a vengeance.
Eckley delivered some of the best numbers of his collegiate career, turning the season into one that will live in infamy—in a good way for Spartan fans. He finished as the Big Ten Punter of the Year and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors.
Eckley led the FBS with 48.5 yards per punt in 2025 and finished his career with a 47.6-yard average, ranking No. 1 in Big Ten history.
Last season, he also led the Big Ten in punts of 50+ yards during the regular season with 23, including a long of 60 yards.
What truly separated Eckley, though, was his combination of power and precision. His punts consistently showed pinpoint accuracy and elite touch, burying opponents deep in their own territory. He recorded 20 punts downed inside the 20-yard line and 10 inside the 10, including four at the 1-yard line.
The hard work and dedication reached their peak when Eckley heard his name called late on Day 3 of the NFL Draft—just two picks after teammate and center Matt Gulbin. Now, the two will be playing just 43 minutes away from each other, with Gulbin in the nation’s capital and Eckley suiting up in Baltimore.
Eckley enters Baltimore as the favorite to take over punting duties, though he will initially compete with fellow punter Luke Elzinga out of Oklahoma. All indications point toward Eckley winning and holding onto the job, which would give Michigan State two of the NFL’s top young punters.
Meanwhile, the Spartans are already looking ahead, hoping to make it three consecutive drafted punters. That responsibility now falls to transfer Rhys Dakin, who arrives from Iowa.
Dakin followed former Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods to East Lansing, and perhaps for good reason. The Spartans may once again rely heavily on field position and special teams to carry the team.
As history has shown, it all starts with the punter.
Just as it did with Eckley before him—and Baringer before that—Dakin now steps into the spotlight. If he can continue the tradition of elite punting, his dream of reaching the NFL could soon become a reality.
Ryan Eckley is simply the latest chapter in Michigan State’s growing punting legacy. And as Saturdays turn into Sundays, Spartan fans will be watching closely as he continues to boom punts at the next level.