Gophers punter commit earns preseason All-American honors

A 2025 Minnesota Golden Gophers football and baseball commitment has earned a preseason All-American honor.

Luke Ryerse, who flipped his commitment from Alabama to Minnesota last month, has earned fourth-team preseason All-American honors by Chris Sailer Kicking.

The dual-sport athlete cited the changes in the Alabama coaching staff after Nick Saban's retirement this past spring.

Ryerse is ranked as a five-star kicking prospect and a potential freshman starter entering his collegiate career. His best quality is distance as he averages over 45 yards per punt with a 4.5-second hang-time and can kick from over 55 yards on field goals, according to Chris Sailer Kicking.

"A competitor who thrives under pressure," Sailer wrote in his scouting report . "I look forward to seeing what the future holds. Luke is a fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. Big time combo prospect."

He also has been an impact player on the baseball diamond, as he was named the Twin Cities Pioneer Press East Metro Player of the Year his sophomore year in 2023. He's also a member of the U.S. Developmental Team.

Luke is the brother of former Gophers kicker and punter, Grant Ryerse. Luke will join the Gophers next season.