Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley drafted by Baltimore Ravens

The two most likely Spartans to get drafted this week did, in fact, get selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The first was center Matt Gulbin, who is headed to the Washington Commanders. The second is Michigan State football's elite punter Ryan Eckley, who was selected in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens.

Eckley, who was arguably the best pound-for-pound player on Michigan State's roster last year (this seems like a dig at the roster, and it kind of is, but he is also legitimately elite), will have an opportunity to come in and immediately compete for the starting job. The Ravens just let All-Pro punter Jordan Stout sign with the New York Giants and signed Luke Elzinga to a deal.

Eckley was the 2025 Big Ten Punter of the Year, no easy feat in a conference known for some exceptional special teams units, and should have a long career in the NFL. He follows former MSU punter Bryce Baringer to the NFL, as MSU is starting to earn a reputation for putting strong punters in the league.