Michigan State Punter Ryan Eckley Declares for 2026 NFL Draft

The Big Ten's top punter this season moves on after a 48.5-yard average that ranked second in the FBS.

Overview

Eckley announced Tuesday on X that he will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the April 2026 draft.
He averaged 48.5 yards per punt this season, leading the Big Ten and ranking No. 2 nationally, with 20 punts inside the 20 and one touchback.
His 2025 average stands second in Michigan State's single-season record book, behind Bryce Baringer's 2022 mark.
He previously led the Big Ten in 2024 at 47.9 yards per punt and earned All-Big Ten honors from coaches and media.
The move follows the recent firing of coach Jonathan Smith and extends MSU's specialist pipeline highlighted by Baringer, a 2023 sixth-round pick by the Patriots.