Neither the offense nor the defense performed to expectations last season, but maybe the greatest disappointment of all was special teams.
Kicker Dominic Zvada was coming off a first-team All-American season where he set Michigan’s single-season record for field goal percentage at 95.5 percent, including a perfect 7-for-7 from 50+. But there was a drastic falloff in 2025, with Zvada converting 17-of-25 attempts (68 percent). Because of how much confidence fans had in him, the on-field performance
was appalling.
The Wolverines have gone back to the transfer portal in hopes of striking gold with another kicker, as they brought in another Lou Groza Award semifinalist in Trey Butkowski.
The story so far
Butkowski’s lone collegiate season was at Pitt, where he went from walk-on to starter. That’s despite the fact that out of high school he was considered a five-star prospect and the No. 9 overall kicker in the 2025 class, according to Kohl’s Kicking.
His one season in the ACC went extraordinarily well. He nailed 19-of-22 field goal tries — including 16 straight — while also converting 43-of-44 extra point attempts. All of Butkowski’s misses came from 40+, where he was still 6-of-9. However, he did not attempt a field goal of more than 50 yards.
His most memorable performance was in a 53-34 win over NC State, as Butkowski contributed 17 points, including 5-for-5 on extra points and 4-for-5 on field goals. He was an All-ACC second-team performer and a semifinalist for the Lou Groza.
Outlook for 2026
The Wolverines have had a really nice run of quality kickers, with Zvada and Jake Moody being before Butkowski. Butkowski’s lack of experience kicking from distance is a concern, but as he came to Ann Arbor, he was sure to spell the doubters on his social media.
Obviously no pads, no pass rush and no pressure, but that is mighty impressive.
This month, both special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs and head coach Kyle Whittingham have called him the No. 1 guy despite having to earn it this spring. He missed a 29-yard field goal in the spring game, and many wondered if Stuart Blake could make it a competition. Instead, Butkowski won the role and doesn’t appear to be looking back.
Staying consistent this fall at a new stadium for him will be important for Butkowski to lead a unit hoping to have a vastly improved 2026.
