There aren't many Michigan State players at the NFL Combine this week representing the Spartans, but the one who has already appeared and performed is receiving rave reviews.
Ryan Eckley has been the only Spartan to appear at the NFL Combine thus far as he got to perform on Thursday as one of the best punters in the country. The Michigan State star was one of just four punters invited to the NFL Combine, and according to one of the best to ever do it, he didn't disappoint.
Eckley got to show off his massive leg at the Combine on Thursday, and Pat McAfee chimed in on his performance, calling him a "certified NFL bomber".
In the punting industry, that's a really good thing.
Making the most of his opportunity 💯@RyanEckley1 #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/ukVDbIjgPk
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) February 26, 2026
Eckley is clearing performing at the Combine like Spartan fans would expect, and it won't be long before Michigan State has two starting punters in the NFL at the same time. Not sure how many schools can say that, but it's probably not many.
Michigan State may be turning into 'Punter U'
Eckley isn't the first nor will he be the last elite punter to come through East Lansing, and it's kind of become a tradition for Michigan State to have the best at the position.
Craig Jarrett was the first really good Michigan State punter since the turn of the century, getting drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round in 2002 and he paved the way for Brandon Fields who later played nearly a decade in the NFL. Mike Sadler was one of the best to ever do it at Michigan State but he tragically passed away in a car accident back in 2016. He was an All-American at Michigan State and would've been a great NFL punter.
Then Bryce Baringer rolled through during the late stages of the Mark Dantonio era and into the Mel Tucker era. He ended up getting drafted by the New England Patriots where he's currently their starting punter and played in the Super Bowl a few weeks ago.
Now the Spartans are sending Eckley to the league and there's a good chance he'll be the latest Michigan State punter to get drafted and start in the NFL.
Michigan State might just be 'Punter U'.