The Third Unit: IA's Top Return Specialists of 2025

Rounding out our Third Unit series in Iowa, we take a look at a loaded group of return specialists, which had a stunning amount of success last season. To give an example of how fruitful the return game was last season, 45 players in Iowa notched at least 2 kick return TDs last season and 16 players with at least 2 punt return TDs, showing that the return game held some spectacular athletes that captivated fans throughout the year. Here are 8 of the top return specialists across Iowa from the 2025 season!    [player_tooltip player_id='1358179' first='Dashny' last='Munyakazi'] flashed all purpose material throughout his senior season, and he set an impressive feat in the return game with 5 kickoff return TDs. Munyakazi finished 3rd in the state in kick return yards (650) while averaging 29.5 yards per return. Munyakazi didn't look particularly fast on tape, but his vision and ability to change direction on the fly to attack the creases allowed him to consistently break into the open field and he showed the ability to outrun anybody that tried to chase him down. Munyakazi holds several D3 offers currently, but after how much he flashed in his senior campaign, he could receive some bigger offers during this offseason.     As a sophomore, Boden Miller saw substantial playing time at RB and LB, but his biggest role for the Indians came in the return game. His 696 kick return yards ranked as the most in the entire state while recording 4 kick return TDs and an average of 25.8 yards per return. To lead the entire state in kick return yards as a sophomore is a special feat, and a strong indication of Miller's athleticism. His size shouldn't fool opponents, his presence on the field is much larger than you think, with his ball-carrier vision and breakaway speed translating well as a returner. Miller should continue to see more reps in the backfield while also developing as a leader for their defense, and Miller should become a household name across the 8-man league heading into 2026.     Flipping to the punt return game, Jorgen Nowatzke proved a nightmare for opponents that would make them rather go for it on 4th down than punt to him. Nowatzke finished with 424 punt return yards, averaging 21.2 yards per return, while leading the state with 4 punt return TDs and adding 1 kick return TD. Nowatzke was consistently able to set up his offense well with long returns relying on his speed and quick cuts to take advantage of his open lanes, playing a contributive part toward Audubon ranking as the top scoring team in the 8-man league. Nowatzke is another bright young prospect who should become a must-watch athlete in the 8-man league going forward.     Another standout from the 8-man league, [player_tooltip player_id='1358225' first='Blayne' last='Porter']'s role was much bigger for Janesville in 2025 as the starting QB, but his presence in the return game remained just as exemplary of why he's one of the best return specialists in the state. Porter finished 2nd in the state with 685 kick return yards and 3 kick return TDs, averaging 29.8 yards per return. After having a prevalent role as a punt returner last season, Porter flipped over to the kick return game primarily this season, and his acceleration and agility translated well, being able to slice through lanes and win with impressive game speed to the outside. Porter's focus will now shift toward who will pick him up, as he's been a priority target among several D3 teams through the season.     Rounding out a stellar high school football career with his second straight 1000+ yard rushing season, Ragaller's senior campaign also involved a significant increase in touches in the return game. Ragaller finished with 645 kick return yards and 3 return TDs, averaging 24.8 yards per return. He also added 218 punt return yards and 2 punt return TDs, averaging 24.2 yards per return. Ragaller was simply dangerous whenever the ball was in his hands, and his ball-carrier vision translated well in the return game, finding ways to maneuver around defenders and follow his open lanes for a huge play. With a stellar high school football resume, Ragaller deserves some attention as a late pickup in recruiting this offseason.     Aiden Youngblut is one of the smallest players on the field in Iowa, but he's made a massive impact as one of the best players on the struggling J-Hawks' team. Youngblut finished with 564 kick return yards and 3 kick return TDs, averaging 24.5 yards per return. His size ends up being an advantage as he's able to scamper around defenders and slip through the cracks and break into the open field. Youngblut will remain a bright spot for the J-Hawks to watch going forward.     Dillon Reed didn't receive a lot of playing time at either WR or DB, but he was a crucial aspect for the Tigers' special teams that helped pave Woodbine to a runner-up finish in the 8-man league state finals this season. Reed led the state with 469 punt return yards, averaging 16.2 yards per return. Reed also recorded 289 kick return yards and 2 kick return TDs. Reed has long, clean strides running the ball and a sneaky level of agility in his ability to change direction, allowing him to affectively maneuver through coverage units to set up his offense in good position. Reed rounds out a strong high school career as he'll look to potentially take his talents with him to the next level.     Gabriel McCormick led the Indians in rushing last season, but his presence was much larger for the team in the return game. McCormick finished with 545 kick return yards and 2 kick return TDs, averaging an impressive 31.9 yards per return, while also scoring on his lone punt return this season of 49 yards. McCormick returns the ball like a RB, bouncing off defenders like a bowling pin, proving difficult to tackle, and when he breaks into the open, he has the potential to take it to the house nearly every time. McCormick should continue to see more carries in the backfield, as well as continuing to see majority reps in the return game for the Indians as he enters his senior season as an underrated prospect to watch out for.

Rounding out our Third Unit series in Iowa, we take a look at a loaded group of return specialists, which had a stunning amount of success last season. To give an example of how fruitful the return game was last season, 45 players in Iowa notched at least 2 kick return TDs last season and 16 players with at least 2 punt return TDs, showing that the return game held some spectacular athletes that captivated fans throughout the year. Here are 8 of the top return specialists across Iowa from the 2025 season!