Penn State’s reliable field-flipping punter with pro upside
In the 2025 season, Riley Thompson gave Penn State a dependable weapon in the kicking game, finishing with a 44.2-yard career punting average at Penn State, which ranks third all-time in program history, and posting a 42.8-yard average in his most recent full season with 17 punts pinned inside the 20. He stands out for hang-time, placement, and rugby-style versatility, not just raw leg strength. Multiple draft profiles describe him as experienced and dependable, though not a consensus draft-board riser, which makes him a fit for teams that value hidden field-position gains over flash.
