The Third Unit: IA's Top Punters of 2025

Continuing with our next edition of The Third Unit, we recognize the top punters this season that were able to make an impact by pinning their opponents deep and setting up their defenses for success, with many of these punters display a strong combination of volume, consistency, and depth on their kicks. We recognize 8 of the best punters across Iowa from the 2025 season!    Davenport West struggled through a second straight winless season, but one of their bright spots through this last season was Chase Jasper, who was able to drill his opponents deep on a consistent basis. Jasper finished with more total punting yards (1812) than any other punter in the state, while averaging an impressive 40.3 yards per punt. Jasper had one of the strongest legs in the state, but what I really liked about him was his ability to stay calm and improvise under duress, with several clips where the punt block team was able to generate quite a bit of pressure, but Jasper stayed calm and was able to get the ball off deep. Jasper could end up as a priority signing for teams still in need for a kicking specialist.     As Bettendorf's placekicker and punter, Cam Schupam flashed impressive range that has the potential to translate well at the next level. Punting wise, Schupam averaged 41 yards per punt on 34 punts, ranking as one of the highest totals in the state last season. He finished 8 of 15 on field goals with a season long with 51 and made all 17 of his extra point attempts. The power in his right leg was something to behold, as he nailed long, powerful strokes to get the ball deep down field. Schupam might be a project player that needs to work more on consistency, but his potential is clearly visible, as he received his first D1 offer from St. Thomas in October, and he could be bound for more offers pretty soon.     Despite being listed as a DB, [player_tooltip player_id='1934037' first='Christian' last='Garcia'] had a much stronger presence for the Cougars on their special teams' unit. He ranked with the 4th highest total punting yards (1645) in the state, averaging 40.1 yards per punt. It is impressive to maintain this average over this level of volume at the high school level, but Garcia has proven to be a natural in this role, showing long hangtimes and accuracy to allow his teammates to down the ball deep in their opponent's territory. Garcia will be another priority specialist who's named should be on recruiting boards this offseason.     Carson Mueggenberg's presence was more notable for his reliability as a pass protector and his dominance on the defensive line, but he was able to generate very good numbers as a punter for the Bulldogs as well. Ogden finished with an average of 39.9 yards per punt on 41 total punts. Mueggenberg showed solid traits as a punter, including good poise, a strong leg, and long hangtimes to allow his coverage team to get to the returner and prevent a long play going the other way. It will be interesting seeing where Mueggenberg ends up at the next level, but if there is any indication from how he played last season, he has all-purpose value that might entice teams to pick him up.     [player_tooltip player_id='1706481' first='Collin' last='McKie'] broke out in 2025 as a key piece for Solon's special teams' unit. On just 20 punts, McKie averaged 43.4 yards per punt, the third highest average among Iowa punters with at least 20 punts this season. McKie showed an impressive amount of growth through the season, with a natural swing and great depth on his boots, McKie flashed an impressive level of power on his kicks while also making it difficult for the returners to properly find the ball to field it, causing mistakes for the return team. McKie will be a name that should be on our watchlist as he enters his senior season.     Seeing playing time at LB, WR, and as a return specialist, Jephte Raymond's biggest role for the Lions last season was at Punter, and he was very impressive in that role. On 22 punts last season, he notched an outstanding 46.2 yards per punt, the highest average in the state last season. Raymond showcased solid athleticism and lower-body strength, and that showed on his punts as he was able to nail some huge boots down the field. Raymond may have found a more specialized role that he could build upon as he enters his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1241518' first='Dylan' last='Weisskopf'] has developed as a potent leader for the Raiders' defense, but over the last two seasons, he's also flashed impressive capability as a punter. In 2025, Weisskopf averaged 39.2 yards per punt on 36 punts. Weisskopf's athleticism was on display throughout the year, showcasing solid lower body strength as he was able to consistently drive the ball-carrier back, and it translated into driving the ball down the field with a strong swing of his leg. Weisskopf will take his talents to Grand View, where he'll continue to develop most likely at LB, though he could be a solid option as an emergency specialist.

Continuing with our next edition of The Third Unit, we recognize the top punters this season that were able to make an impact by pinning their opponents deep and setting up their defenses for success, with many of these punters display a strong combination of volume, consistency, and depth on their kicks. We recognize 8 of the best punters across Iowa from the 2025 season!