Elite kicker committed to Michigan wins eligibility battle, will play in 2026

After further review, the call on the field is overturned. Ryan Jung, a junior placekicker who had transferred from IMG Academy (FL) to Milton (GA) during the offseason, was initially ruled ineligible by the GHSA two weeks ago. That ruling has since been flipped. Jung, who is committed to Michigan,

College Sports

SEE ALL

FSU Wire

FSU running back commit named to preseason All-State team in Louisiana

Tar Heels Wire

Michael Malone reveals approach behind building first UNC roster

Trendline

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit Deliberates Nationwide NCAA Eligibility Injunction

What is the story about?

After further review, the call on the field is overturned.

Ryan Jung, a junior placekicker who had transferred from IMG Academy (FL) to Milton (GA) during the offseason, was initially ruled ineligible by the GHSA two weeks ago. That ruling has since been flipped.

Jung, who is committed to Michigan, was granted his eligibility upon appeal on Wednesday, August 18, giving Milton their placekicker for the next two seasons.

IMG Academy's Ryan Jung (25) runs off the field after kicking a point after try during the first quarter of a high school football matchup at Mandarin High School, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The IMG Academy Ascenders defeated the Mandarin Mustangs 57-7.

The reason Jung was ineligible was based on a technicality in the GHSA bylaws, which states that the player and the parent(s) must move from the same address to be eligible. With Jung coming from a boarding school in IMG in Bradenton, that's what led to the initial ruling.

The FHSA strengthened its bylaws regarding transfers, with

additional residency change proof for students in bylaw 1.62. If one of the conditions is not met, the student-athlete is ruled ineligible for a calendar year.

Jung's father moved from Tennessee to Georgia before his mother joined earlier this year. Jung proceeded to leave IMG to join his family, with the GHSA stating that it wasn't a bona fide family move.

The junior will be all set to compete in Milton's season opener, which is slated for Aug. 21 against North Cobb. With IMG, Jung was 4 of 5 on field goals with a long of 46 yards, adding 50 extra points on 52 attempts.

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elite kicker committed to Michigan wins eligibility battle, will play in 2026