Ryan Eckley won’t return to Michigan State to use his final season of eligibility.

The redshirt junior punter announced via social media on Tuesday he’s leaving to declare for the 2026 NFL draft. He’s hoping to be the latest former Spartan punter drafted after All-American Bryce Baringer was picked in the sixth round by the Patriots in 2023.

Eckley spent three seasons as Michigan State’s starting punter and posted a career average of 47.6 yards on 149 attempts with 67 of at least 50 yards and 50 downed inside the 20.

After taking a redshirt as a true freshman while learning from Baringer, Eckley was named a Freshman All-American in 2023. He was even better the following year, with a Big Ten-best 47.9 average that tied for the third longest in program history.

Eckley had a few hiccups l

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