๐ Latest on Michigan’s Punting Competition
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Hunter Robertson commits to Michigan
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Robertson, a twoโyear punter at DivisionโฏII Clarion College in Pennsylvania, officially committed to Michigan on Julyย 27, 2025, bringing two seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining.ย ย
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Heโs local to Michigan: a Huntington Woods native who played high school ball at Berkley High School in metro Detroit, earning all-conference honors and academic All-State recognition.ย ย
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In 2024, he punted 51 times for 2,201 yards (43.2โyard average), with a long of 70 yards, 15 punts of 50+ yards, and 17 inside the 20. He also handled kickoff duties and attempted several field goals.ย ย
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Luke Bauer status
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Michigan had previously secured a commitment from Missouri punter Luke Bauer in April 2025.ย ย
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Bauer played two seasons as Missouriโs starter, averaged ~41.8โฏyards per punt, had careerโlong punts exceeding 70 yards, and piled up significant volume and insideโ20 placements.ย ย
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However, as of late July, sources indicate no confirmation that Bauer actually made it to Ann Arborโno presence on university rosters or social media suggests heโs on roster. His commitment appears to have stalled.ย ย
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Hudson Hollenbeck
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Hollenbeck served as Michiganโs punter in the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama, and head coach Sherrone Moore stated in Big Ten Media Days that Hollenbeck is currently in the lead for the starting job, pending performance in fall camp.ย ย
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๐ Summary of the Punting Room
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Player Background 2024 Stats Highlight Eligibility Remaining Current Status
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Hudson Hollenbeck Michigan returner Punted in bowl game against Alabama N/A Currently frontrunner
Hunter Robertson Transfer from Clarion (DโII), MI native 51 punts, 2,201 yards, 43.2โฏavg, long 70โฏyd 2 years Just committed, adds strong depth
Luke Bauer Former Missouri starter ~41.8โฏavg, multi-year starter Final year Likely not enrolled as of July
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โ What It Means
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Hollenbeck remains the presumptive starter, credited by coaches for his momentum and recent performance.
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Robertson’s arrival gives Michigan a highly experienced punter with strong leg strength and Michigan rootsโheโll be a serious camp competitor and depth piece.
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Bauerโs situation remains uncertain; while he committed, his absence from current rosters suggests he may not ultimately participate.
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What to Expect Next
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The competition for Michiganโs punting job will be decided in fall camp, which begins July 30, 2025. Head coach Moore has said, โcamp will tell a lotโ about whoโll win the spot.ย ย
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Expect to see Hudson Hollenbeck, Hunter Robertson, and possibly others in reps, with the final decision likely coming just before Michiganโs season opener.
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So: Robertson is officially on the roster, adding depth and competition; Hollenbeck leads the race now, and Bauer looks less likely to contribute, despite his spring commitment. Want deeper breaking-down of their strengths, field flips, hangโtime metrics, or past game tape? I got you!
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