Michigan lands Mississippi State specialist Hudson Hollenbeck out of transfer portal
Michigan Wolverines football already added a kicker out of the transfer portal in Louisville’s James Turner and has scored another commitment. Mississippi State transfer Hudson Hollenbeck announced his pledge Thursday afternoon.
Hollenbeck, a Collierville, Tenn., native, did not see game action as a freshman last season in Starkville. Hollenbeck was a preferred walk-on at Mississippi State and will have the same status at Michigan to start.
“More of a punter, but I kick and punt. I’m more of a punter and kickoff specialist,” Hollenbeck told TheWolverine.com after making his commitment public.
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“It’s a blessing to wear the historic Maize and Blue,” Hollenbeck wrote on Twitter. Let’s go to work and Go Blue!”
Michigan saw both of its starting specialists be drafted to the NFL over the weekend. Kicker Jake Moody went third round to the San Francisco 49ers and punter Brad Robbins was off the board in the sixth round to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Maize and Blue have vacancies at each starting position.
Turner is more of a place kicker, and the Wolverines also have triple threat Tommy Doman, a junior who handled kickoffs, field goals and punts during spring ball. Doman’s best trait, however, is his punting, he said.
Turner, a two-time All-ACC honorable mention (2020 and 2022), had an outstanding season last year, making 20 of 22 field goals for the Cardinals and 47 of 59 over three years. Many of them were critical, and last year he set the school record last season for accuracy.
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The Wolverines now have a trio who can handle the three jobs — Doman on punts, Hollenbeck on kickoffs and Turner on field goals and extra points.
Hollenbeck said Michigan’s strong special teams played a factor in his decision to come to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines have finished top 15 in Football Outsiders’ special teams efficiency ratings four of the last five seasons, including a No. 1 finish in 2021 and No. 8 in 2022.
Michigan has added eight scholarship players through the transfer portal this offseason. Turner and former Arizona State offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson will join the team this summer, with the other six having enrolled early.
The Maize and Blue are coming off two straight Big Ten championships and seeking a third-straight outright title for the first time in program history.
