Rhys Dakin, a former Iowa football punter, has decided on a new college that will keep him in the Big Ten. Dakin announced his decision to transfer to Michigan State, where he will reunite with longtime Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods prior to the 2026 season, just days after logging onto the NCAA transfer portal on New Year’s Day. The action wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Earlier this offseason, Woods joined Michigan State’s staff. Over the years, Woods has been instrumental in shaping Iowa’s special teams identity. Dakin, who had been punting for the Hawkeyes for the previous two seasons, was a natural fit for the Spartans because of their current relationship.
Still, seeing a former Iowa starter head to a conference rival always stings a bit in Iowa City.
Dakin made 42 appearances as Iowa’s main punter in 2025, averaging 43.6 yards per attempt. His longest punt, which went 65 yards, demonstrated the leg strength that made him one of the team’s more dependable special teams contributors. Even though his average decreased somewhat from his rookie season, his overall output was still reliable and strong. Dakin became well-known as a freshman in 2024–2025. With an average of 44.1 yards per punt, he was named to the media’s All-Big Ten third team and conference coaches’ second team. It was a strong debut and an indication of long-term potential for a rookie taking on a demanding role.
Dakin’s early success solidified his position as a vital member of Iowa’s special teams unit, an aspect of the game that the Hawkeyes have historically valued and heavily relied upon. Dakin fit right in with Iowa’s strategy of treating field position and punting as weapons rather than afterthoughts under Woods’ direction. But by the end of the 2025 season, things were starting to change.
As the program navigates another hectic offseason, Dakin joined an increasing number of Iowa players looking into new opportunities by signing up for the transfer portal on January 1. Although some fans were taken aback by his choice, it soon made sense given his relationship with Woods and the opportunity to start over in East Lansing.
The addition is significant for Michigan State, particularly as new head coach Pat Fitzgerald continues to transform the Spartans’ roster and culture. Michigan State is seeking to reclaim its identity following a number of disappointing seasons under former head coaches Mel Tucker and Jonathan Smith, especially in the fundamentals that frequently distinguish successful teams from losing ones.
Special teams, in particular, have been an area of focus.
The Spartans now have immediate stability at a position that can subtly swing games thanks to the addition of a proven Big Ten punter. Field position battles are important, particularly in conference play, and Dakin has punting experience in hostile stadiums, high-pressure settings, and late-game scenarios. A player like Dakin appeals to Fitzgerald, who established his reputation at Northwestern on discipline and meticulousness. Regardless of scheme or roster turnover, he has been coached in a system that emphasizes accuracy, consistency, and situational awareness.
Dakin’s departure, from Iowa’s point of view, adds another piece of information to a transfer portal cycle that is already underway. As they get ready for the 2026 season, the Hawkeyes have seen a number of contributors join the portal, which has prompted continuous assessments of depth, development, and recruiting priorities.
Iowa supporters are more aware of the significance of punter than most, even though it’s not always the most attention-grabbing position. Due to the Hawkeyes’ long-standing emphasis on defense and field position, special teams losses seem more significant than they might in other situations.
However, Iowa has dealt with employee turnover in the past, and the staff will try to recharge through internal development or portal additions. For Dakin, the relocation signifies both continuity and a fresh start. Once more, he will be working with a coach who is aware of his strengths, comprehends his mechanics, and has faith in him during crucial times.
He will also be entering a new locker room, a new system, and a program that is keen to regain its prominence in the Big Ten. There is always an extra degree of mystery surrounding transfers within the conference. If Dakin is on the field, his punts will have additional significance when Iowa and Michigan State eventually line up across from each other.
But for the time being, the emphasis is on the future. Dakin has a track record of success, Big Ten experience, and something to prove when he moves to East Lansing. Michigan State acquires a trustworthy expert. Iowa flips the page and keeps navigating a college football environment that is changing quickly. Change is a constant in the transfer era of today. For Rhys Dakin, it just so happens to include people he knows as well as a different hue of green.
