Luke Bauer, the starting punter for the Missouri Tigers over the past two seasons, has entered the transfer portal and will be leaving the University of Missouri. Bauer’s decision to transfer comes after a solid stint as Missouri’s primary punter, where he showcased his talent and consistency. His move has opened up opportunities for him in the upcoming season, as he is set to join the Michigan Wolverines for the 2025 season.
Over his time at Missouri, Bauer served as the team’s starting punter for two seasons. In the 2024 season, he punted 49 times, averaging 41.8 yards per punt. Bauer’s performance was marked by his ability to consistently pin opponents deep, as evidenced by his 13 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. His reliable leg also delivered seven punts over 50 yards, a testament to his impressive range. Despite his solid performance, Bauer’s time at Missouri is now coming to a close, and he is ready to move on to the next phase of his college career.
In his final season with the Tigers, Bauer made a notable impact, including in Missouri’s Music City Bowl against Iowa, where he recorded a long 62-yard punt. His ability to perform under pressure and in high-stakes situations was one of the standout features of his tenure at Missouri. Bauer’s overall performance helped Missouri’s special teams unit remain competitive, and he leaves behind a strong legacy at the school.
Now, Bauer has committed to Michign, where he will join the Wolverines’ special teams unit for the 2025 season. He will compete with Hudson Hollenbeck for the starting punter role, bringing with him valuable experience and a proven track record. Michigan’s special teams will benefit from Bauer’s experience as he looks to add his expertise to one of the most storied programs in college football.
This transfer is particularly significant as Bauer’s final year of eligibility is approaching, and the Wolverines are hoping that he can make an immediate impact. While Michigan has several talented players on their roster, Bauer’s experience and consistency on punts will provide a solid foundation for the Wolverines’ special teams. His proven ability to punt in critical moments could be exactly what Michigan needs to continue its success in the coming season.
As Bauer transitions to Michigan, the Missouri Tigers will be left with a gap at the punter position. Backup punter Orion Phillips also transferred earlier in the year, further intensifying the need for Missouri to find a replacement for Bauer. However, Bauer’s departure is a significant loss for Missouri’s special teams, and his decision to join Michigan highlights his continued ambition to compete at the highest level of college football. For Bauer, the move represents a new challenge and an opportunity to finish his college career with a program that consistently competes for championships.
