In a stunning development, five-star specialist Scott Starzyk has decommitted from the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2025 football recruiting class. Starzyk, a standout kicker and punter from The Woodlands High School in Texas, announced his decision via social media on November 25, 2024. He expressed gratitude towards Iowa’s coaching staff, particularly Coach LeVar Woods and Coach Kirk Ferentz, for the opportunity but stated his intention to reopen his recruitment.
Starzyk is highly regarded in the specialist community, holding the number one ranking as a kicker and sixth as a punter in his class, according to Kohl’s Kicking. Initially, he committed to Iowa in July 2024, attracted by a full-ride scholarship—a notable offer, as Iowa doesn’t always extend full scholarships to high school specialists. His commitment came after considering offers from programs like Mississippi State, Syracuse, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma.
This decommitment is a significant blow to the Hawkeyes, who had envisioned Starzyk as a dual-threat specialist capable of handling both kicking and punting duties. His versatility was expected to provide depth and flexibility to Iowa’s special teams unit. The timing of his decision, just a week before the early signing period, adds to the challenges Iowa now faces in securing a replacement of similar caliber.
While Starzyk’s next destination remains uncertain, his decommitment has sparked interest from several prominent programs. Reports indicate that he had visited Michigan earlier in the season, and the Wolverines have since extended an offer. Given his ranking and skill set, it’s anticipated that other top-tier programs will pursue him aggressively in the coming weeks.
The Hawkeyes have experienced similar situations in the past. Notably, five-star offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor decommitted from Iowa in December 2022, opting instead to join the Alabama Crimson Tide. Proctor’s decision was influenced by the opportunity to compete at the highest level and develop alongside elite talent.
For Iowa, replacing a specialist of Starzyk’s caliber will be challenging. The coaching staff may need to explore late additions to their 2025 class or consider transfer options to fill the void. As the early signing period approaches, the Hawkeyes’ recruiting efforts will undoubtedly intensify to address this unexpected vacancy.
Starzyk’s decision underscores the fluid nature of college football recruiting, where verbal commitments are non-binding, and prospects reassess their options based on evolving circumstances. As his recruitment reopens, it will be interesting to see which program ultimately secures the services of this top-ranked specialist.
