| No. 96 – Michigan State Spartans | |
|---|---|
| Position | Punter |
| Class |  |
| Personal information | |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight | 207 lb (94 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Newsome (Lithia, Florida) |
| College | Michigan State (2022–present) |
| Awards and highlights | |
| |
| Stats at ESPN | |
Ryan Eckley is an American football punter for the Michigan State Spartans.
Eckley attended Newsome High School located in Lithia, Florida. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a five-star punter, where he committed to play college football for the Michigan State Spartans as a preferred walk-on. [1]
During his first collegiate season in 2022, Eckley punted just once as he sat behind future NFL punter Bryce Baringer. [2] During his first season as the team's starting punter in 2023, he averaged 46.8 yards per punt, where for his performance he was named a freshman all-American. [3] [4] During the 2024 season, Eckley averaged 47.9 yards per punt to lead the Big Ten, where for his performance he was named second-team all-conference. [5] In week one of the 2025 season, Eckley punted six times for an average of 51.3 yards per punt, while also attempting a field goal in a season opening win over Western Michigan. [6] In week two, he was named the Ray Guy Punter of the Week, after punting three times for an average of 54.7 yards per punt, with all three being downed inside the 20, with two being downed at the one-yard line in a double overtime win versus Boston College. [7]