🏈 Latest on Michigan’s Punting Competition
Hunter Robertson commits to Michigan
Robertson, a two‑year punter at Division II Clarion College in Pennsylvania, officially committed to Michigan on July 27, 2025, bringing two seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining.
He’s 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.
In 2024, he punted 51 times for 2,201 yards (43.2‐yard 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.
Luke Bauer status
Michigan had previously secured a commitment from Missouri punter Luke Bauer in April 2025.
Bauer played two seasons as Missouri’s starter, averaged ~41.8 yards per punt, had career‐long punts exceeding 70 yards, and piled up significant volume and inside‐20 placements.
However, as of late July, sources indicate no confirmation that Bauer actually made it to Ann Arbor—no presence on university rosters or social media suggests he’s on roster. His commitment appears to have stalled.
Hudson Hollenbeck
Hollenbeck served as Michigan’s 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.
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📊 Summary of the Punting Room
Player Background 2024 Stats Highlight Eligibility Remaining Current Status
Hudson Hollenbeck Michigan returner Punted in bowl game against Alabama N/A Currently frontrunner
Hunter Robertson Transfer from Clarion (D‑II), MI native 51 punts, 2,201 yards, 43.2 avg, long 70 yd 2 years Just committed, adds strong depth
Luke Bauer Former Missouri starter ~41.8 avg, multi-year starter Final year Likely not enrolled as of July
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✅ What It Means
Hollenbeck remains the presumptive starter, credited by coaches for his momentum and recent performance.
Robertson’s arrival gives Michigan a highly experienced punter with strong leg strength and Michigan roots—he’ll be a serious camp competitor and depth piece.
Bauer’s 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
The competition for Michigan’s punting job will be decided in fall camp, which begins July 30, 2025. Head coach Moore has said, “camp will tell a lot” about who’ll win the spot.
Expect to see Hudson Hollenbeck, Hunter Robertson, and possibly others in reps, with the final decision likely coming just before Michigan’s season opener.
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, hang‐time metrics, or past game tape? I got you!
