A New Chapter for Michigan State’s Special Teams
Rhys Dakin, a transfer punter from Iowa, is set to become Michigan State’s next standout leg. With three seasons of eligibility remaining under the NCAA’s new framework, Dakin brings a proven track record of 43.9 yards per punt and All‑Big Ten recognition.
Coach LeVar Woods, who earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top special‑teams coordinators at Iowa, personally recruited Dakin and will now oversee his integration into the Spartans’ unit. Woods, who signed a three‑year contract averaging $1.2 million annually, met Dakin and his family in Melbourne to seal the deal, underscoring the depth of the relationship.
The move is part of a broader overhaul of Michigan State’s special teams, which has added fresh faces at kicker, long snapper and returner. Liam Boyd from Charlotte is expected to handle kicking duties, while Nick Duzansky from Oregon will snap, and Kenneth Williams from Nebraska will patrol the return game. The unit also welcomes Trey Serauskis, a recruit from the next class, into the mix.
Recent games have highlighted the urgency. In a loss to Iowa, the Spartans surrendered a punt return for a touchdown and saw a blocked punt create a 14‑0 deficit against Nebraska. A muffed kickoff in another contest swung momentum, and kicker Martin Connington missed two field goals against Minnesota. Each of those moments illustrates how special‑teams execution can tilt the balance of a season.
Dakin’s arrival arrives as the program’s special‑teams rankings have languished despite individual punters delivering solid averages. The addition of a veteran leg, combined with Woods’ proven system, could finally give the Spartans the consistency they need. Analysts have already placed Dakin at No. 14 on the ongoing “top 30 players” list for Michigan State, reflecting optimism about his impact.
Pat Fitzgerald, the head coach, has emphasized that bringing Woods aboard was one of the biggest offseason moves, citing his ability to develop punters and coordinate coverage units. With the new roster in place, the Spartans hope to convert the potential shown in practice into tangible wins on game day.