#1 Player, Future Michigan Kicker Ruled Ineligible

Michigan’s top kicker commit in the 2028 class has been ruled ineligible for the upcoming high school season, creating an early obstacle for one of the program’s most important young prospects.

Ryan Jung, the No. 1 ranked kicker in the class of 2028 according to Kohl’s Kicking, was declared ineligible by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) for the 2026 season. Milton High School head coach Ben Reaves confirmed the ruling to Rivals on Wednesday morning.

Jung transferred to Milton from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, during the offseason. He plans to appeal the decision and still has multiple appeal opportunities remaining.

Who Is Ryan Jung?

Jung is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound specialist who became the first commitment in Michigan’s 2028 recruiting class in June. He is widely regarded as the top kicker in his class and has drawn consistent praise for both leg strength and technical consistency.

At the Kohl’s Underclassman Challenge, Jung scored 18 points in field goal charting and reached the finals of the competition. At the 2025 Kohl’s Eastern Winter Showcase, he posted a perfect 15-out-of-15 in field goal charting, won the underclassmen kickoff competition, and recorded a 68-yard kickoff with 3.9 seconds of hang time. He also topped the 2028 class in kickoff scoring at the National Scholarship Camp.

Last season at IMG Academy, Jung converted 4 of 5 field goals with a long of 46 yards and made 50 of 52 extra points. He was also highly effective on kickoffs, recording 36 touchbacks on 66 attempts across nine games.

Jung has spoken openly about Michigan being a long-time dream school. After moving to the United States from Korea, he said seeing Michigan Stadium was a defining moment in his recruitment.

The Transfer and Eligibility Ruling

Jung spent the 2025 season at IMG Academy before transferring to Milton, a powerhouse public school program in Georgia. The GHSA ruled him ineligible for the 2026 season shortly after the move.

According to reporting, the ruling centers on transfer eligibility rules, including questions around a “bona fide move.” Jung’s family situation involved relocations from different starting points, which appears to have factored into the decision. Milton coach Ben Reaves confirmed the ruling and noted that the family intends to appeal.

This is Jung’s first enrollment at a GHSA member school after coming from a non-member boarding school in Florida. The appeals process remains open, and the family has indicated they will continue pursuing eligibility for the upcoming season.

What This Means for Michigan

Jung’s commitment was viewed as a strong early win for special team's coordinator Kerry Coombs and the new staff under Kyle Whittingham. Landing the top-ranked kicker in the 2028 class gave Michigan a foundation piece at a position that has historically been critical to the program’s success in close games.

Missing a full high school season would limit Jung’s opportunities to build game film and experience high-pressure situations in front of large crowds — something he has already identified as a point of emphasis in his development. While the ruling does not affect his college eligibility or commitment status, it introduces uncertainty around his junior year timeline and visibility heading into the final stages of his recruitment.

Michigan has not issued a public statement on the situation. For now, the focus remains on the appeals process and whether Jung will be able to compete for Milton this fall.

Looking Ahead

Jung remains committed to Michigan and continues to train with the long-term goal of playing in Ann Arbor. The eligibility ruling is a setback, but it is not final. Multiple appeal avenues remain available, and the outcome of that process will determine whether he plays high school football in 2026.

For Michigan fans, the situation is worth monitoring. Jung is not just another specialist commit, as he is the consensus top kicker in his class and one of the earliest building blocks of the 2028 roster.