Former Iowa football punter Rhys Dakin transfers to Big Ten foe

After announcing his entry into the NCAA transfer portal on New Year's Day, former Iowa football punter Rhys Dakin has revealed that he will be joining special teams coordinator LeVar Woods at Michigan State next season.

Dakin had 42 punts in 2025, averaging 43.6 yards per punt with a long of 65 yards. That average was slightly down from his freshman year, when he was an All-Big Ten third-team selection by the media and a second-team selection by the coaches. Dakin averaged 44.1 yards per boot in 2024-25.

While the move is not necessarily the biggest surprise, given the connection between Dakin and Woods, it is a significant addition for new Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is revitalizing the Spartans' program depth and identity after a disappointing past few seasons under the leadership of both Mel Tucker and Jonathan Smith.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa football punter Rhys Dakin transfers to Big Ten foe