BREAKING: Michigan State University’s standout punter, Ryan Eckley, has officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, ending his collegiate career after a remarkable season. Eckley shared the news via X, highlighting his lifelong passion for football and his gratitude for the journey that brought him to this pivotal moment.
In his emotional post, Eckley expressed, “Since I was six years old, football has been a part of who I am… I’m incredibly grateful for every step of the journey that brought me here.” This announcement comes shortly after the firing of his coach, Jonathan Smith, stirring waves in the MSU football community.
Eckley, a 6-foot-2, 207-pound native of Lithia, Florida, has cemented his place as one of the best punters in Michigan State history. Last season, he led the Big Ten with an impressive average of 47.9 yards per punt, which ranks as the fourth-best average in MSU history. He was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten player by coaches and third-team by media outlets, successfully executing 20 punts of over 50 yards.
This season, Eckley raised the bar even higher, averaging 48.5 yards per punt to rank first in the Big Ten and second in the entire Football Bowl Subdivision. His performance has pushed him into second place in MSU’s record books, only behind Bryce Baringer, who had an average of 49.0 yards in 2022 and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
As Eckley embarks on this new chapter, the football world will be watching closely. His transition from college to the NFL represents not just a personal milestone but also the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Fans and analysts are eager to see where he will land in the upcoming draft, as he joins the ranks of elite punters looking to make their mark in professional football.
Stay tuned for more updates on Eckley’s NFL journey and the implications of this announcement for Michigan State football moving forward. For further insights, follow Chris Solari at @chrissolari and check out the “Spartan Speak” podcast for the latest discussions.
