Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Rhys Dakin across Football.
LeVar Woods, the new special teams coordinator at Michigan State, is rebuilding the unit through versatile player development, strategic portal additions, and a championship‑level approach endorsed by coach Pat Fitzgerald.
The Iowa Hawkeyes open the 2026 campaign ranked No. 22 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, but a wave of departures from the special‑teams unit has sparked a rebuilding effort led by new coordinator Chris Polizzi and a trio of fresh specialists.
As the Spartans open against Toledo on September 4, new faces and strategic shifts promise to reshape the team's offensive and defensive identity.
Pat Fitzgerald, celebrated for his success at Northwestern, is now the head coach of Michigan State, bringing his Big Ten expertise to East Lansing. The program is gearing up for a competitive 2026 campaign that includes key returning players, a wave of transfers, and a challenging schedule.
The Hawkeyes enter the 2026 campaign with a No. 22 preseason ranking, reflecting both confidence in head coach Kirk Ferentz and the hurdles posed by significant personnel losses and a revamped special‑teams staff.
Coach Kirk Ferentz discusses the evolving quarterback race, the potential of the secondary and linebackers, and the challenges facing the defensive line and special teams.
Ferentz discusses the quarterback duel between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, the potential extension of the race into the season, and the challenges facing the defensive line, while highlighting the promise of the secondary, linebackers, and special teams.
Preseason polls place Ohio State at the top, Iowa at eighth, and highlight All‑Big Ten selections and player of the year favorites as media days begin in Chicago.
The USA TODAY NETWORK released its preseason Big Ten football outlook, projecting the Wisconsin Badgers to finish 13th. Sophomore linebacker Mason Posa is the only Badger recognized on the preseason all‑conference team, while the program adopts a wait‑and‑see approach despite roster upgrades.
A deep dive into Iowa's 2026 freshman class, spotlighting standout recruits and their potential impact.
From four‑star defensive back Marcello Vitti to Australian punter Boston Everitt, Iowa's 2026 newcomers are poised to reshape the team's dynamics.
Michigan State’s special teams, long plagued by inconsistency, are poised for a turnaround with the arrival of transfer punter Rhys Dakin, a three‑year veteran from Iowa whose career averages 43.9 yards per kick.
EA Sports will release College Football 27 on July 9, offering launch ratings for all 138 teams. Michigan State's player grades reveal a defense in transition, a quarterback with upside, and several standout athletes poised to drive a rapid rebuild.
EA Sports' upcoming College Football 27 launches July 9 with a $69.99 price tag, featuring Iowa's updated rating and a roster of cover athletes.
With Chris Polizzi taking the reins, the Hawkeyes are reshaping their kicking game, adding experienced talent and fresh competition ahead of their Week 1 matchup against Northern Illinois.
A $401 million gift from philanthropists Greg and Dawn Williams will reshape Michigan State's athletic department, targeting top talent and a stronger NFL draft presence under head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Michigan State has appointed LeVar Woods as its new special teams coordinator and assistant head coach, a move that comes with a $1.1 million salary and brings a proven track record of top‑10 units from his Iowa tenure.
With LeVar Woods departing for Michigan State and Chris Polizzi stepping in, Iowa must replace key special teams contributors and integrate new talent to preserve its historic edge.
The Wolverines face a challenging slate of opponents, each bringing new coaches, transfer portal moves, and key player storylines that could define the 2026 campaign.
The Hawkeyes are reshaping their roster and coaching staff as they gear up for the upcoming campaign, blending new talent with Iowa's distinctive traditions.
Michigan State’s hiring of Pat Fitzgerald, bolstered by a strong transfer class and retained star players, aims to climb the Big Ten rankings despite recent losses.