Ryan Eckley

Scouting Report

2026 draft class

Ryan Eckley is the most decorated punter in Michigan State history, setting Big Ten career records while positioning himself to become the second straight Spartan punter drafted after Bryce Baringer went to the New England Patriots in 2023. The Lithia, Florida native redshirted in 2022 before becoming MSU's starting punter, appearing in 36 games over three seasons. His numbers are staggering: 7,094 career yards on 149 punt attempts, averaging at least 46.7 yards per punt each season-including a career-best 48.5 in 2025 that led all of college football. His 47.6 career yards per punt set a Big Ten career record. Eckley was named the Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year (Big Ten's best punter) and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after being a two-time second-team selection. Even as a redshirt freshman in 2023, he was named Freshman All-American by the FWAA and The Athletic. At 6'5", 238 pounds, Eckley has elite leg strength-he booted 23 50-plus-yarders in 2025 while pinning 20 punts inside the 20-yard line. However, his biggest concern for NFL scouts is hangtime: Eckley allowed returns on over 50% of his kicks in 2025, which won't translate to the professional level. Generating more hangtime will require mechanical adjustments that may complicate his transition. ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks him as the #4 specialist behind Georgia's Brett Thorson, while other outlets have him as high as #3 among punters. He projects as a Day 3 selection with potential to be an immediate NFL starter if he can address the hangtime concerns.

College Production

Career: 149 punts, 7,094 yards, 47.6 YPP (Big Ten record); 2025: 48.5 YPP (led nation), 23 50+ yard punts, 20 inside 20

Honors

Eddelman-Fields Punter of the Year (2025); First-team All-Big Ten; Big Ten career punting record; Freshman All-American (2023); Would be 2nd straight MSU punter drafted