Iowa football punter announces intention to enter transfer portal

IOWA CITY — Iowa football punter Rhys Dakin has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Jan. 1 via a social media post.

“I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude to Coach Ferentz and the entire coaching staff,” Dakin said in his announcement. “Thank you for believing in me, challenging me and helping me develop both on and off the field.”

Dakin, a sophomore, will have two years of eligibility remaining.

He averaged 43.6 yards per punt this season, and recorded at least one 50-plus-yard punt in seven games. He had two games with a 60-yard punt. Dakin helped pin opponents inside the 20-yard line in 43% of his punts.

The Australian-native was a freshman All-American last season by both PFF and the Football Writers Association of America. He was named a Big Ten honorable mention player by the media this season.

Dakin is the second player to have already announced his intention of entering the transfer portal, after quarterback Jackson Stratton announced his intention following Iowa’s game against Nebraska in November.

With Dakin entering the transfer portal, the Hawkeyes will need to replace a punter, a punt returner (with Kaden Wetjen out of eligibility), a kicker (and program record holder in Drew Stevens) and the team’s special teams coordinator after LeVar Woods announced his move to Michigan State as its new special teams coordinator and assistant head coach.

The transfer portal officially opens Jan. 2, with players having the opportunity to enter the portal during one two-week period.

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