Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley declares for NFL Draft
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley will forego his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2026 NFL Draft, he announced via social media Tuesday afternoon.
Eckley spent four seasons in East Lansing, redshirting the 2022 season. He was named a First Team Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2023.
As a sophomore in 2024, Eckley led the Big Ten with a 47.9-yard punting average, which was tied for the third-longest in school history. He punted in 37 career games for the Spartans.
“Since I was six years old, football has been a part of who I am,” Eckley wrote in a statement released to social media. “What started as a kid chasing a dream turned into years of work, sacrifice and growth, and I’m incredibly grateful for every step of the journey that brought me here.
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“I want to thank Coach Mel Tucker and Coach Jonathan Smith for taking a chance on me and providing me with this opportunity. The belief, guidance, and willingness to trust me at the highest level means more to me than words can express. You helped push me to grow not only as a player, but develop into a man.
“To my teammates, coaches, family and everyone who supported me along the way, your belief and sacrifices made this possible. Thank you Michigan State and the entire Spartan Nation for the love and support. Go Green forever. With that being said, I am officially foregoing my final year of eligibility and declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.”
