After a record-setting collegiate career at Iowa State, Perkins is moving toward the professional ranks having accepted an invitation to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie minicamp. The specialist is slated to arrive in Florida on May 6 for the program per Mark Hazelwood of the Norwalk (Ohio) Reflector, which runs from May 8-11 and provides newcomers their first hands-on experience with NFL playbooks and on-field walkthroughs. His opportunity comes at a time when the path to the NFL is particularly
narrow for punters; only three have been selected in the draft over the last two years.
Perkins, the son of Pete and Jennifer Perkins, leaves Ames as a legend for the Cyclones. He departs as the program’s all-time leader in punting average, maintaining a career mark of 43.3 yards per kick across four seasons. His reliability was a constant as he developed:
- Freshman Year: 50 punts at 42.2 yards per kick.
- Sophomore Year: 61 punts at 44.3 yards per kick.
- Junior Year (2024): 37 punts at 44.4 yards per kick.
His senior season (2025) showcased elite precision that likely caught the eye of Jaguars scouts. Over 42 punts, he averaged 42.4 yards and unleashed a season-best 65-yard kick. Most impressively, he essentially neutralized opposing returners; he allowed just 13 total return yards all season, the ninth-best mark in the nation.
This defensive-minded punting—which included pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line seven times—led to him being named a Ray Guy Award semifinalist and receiving Big 12 honorable mention.
