Texas Longhorns punter Jack Bouwmeester has turned his focus towards the next level with the looming 2026 NFL Draft. Like most punters, Bouwmeester is not expected to be drafted, but will likely have an opportunity to prove himself as a free agent.
As a prospect, Bouwmeester possesses ample experience and award recognition. During 50 career games, he established himself as a field-position weapon that can change the field or place the ball with accuracy. Bouwmeester limits returns and has the composure that special teamers need.
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Spanning his entire 50-game career, Bouwmeester averaged 43.8 yards per punt across 213 attempts. In his lone season at Texas, Bouwmeester had 14 punts of 50-plus yards and 23 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. He came out firing to start the season, with three of his four punts against Ohio State being downed inside the 10-yard line.
His commitment to Texas as a transfer was a necessary get for the Longhorn special teams room. Bouwmeester was one of the best punters in the nation before arriving on the Forty Acres. At Utah, Bouwmeester shined across all three seasons.
In his freshman campaign, he allowed an average of 1.0 yards per return, a testament to his ability to place the ball and create enough hangtime for gunners to surround returners. Bouwmeester followed up that impressive season by leading the Pac-12 in yards per punt as a sophomore while accruing three Ray’s 8 weekly honors and two Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week awards. He was first-team All-Pac-12 and a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter.
His conference recognition continued in the Big 12. As a junior, he was selected as second-team All-Big 12 while leading the conference in average yards per punt.
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Quite frankly, Bouwmeester is one of the more decorated punters trying to make the leap to the NFL. What stands out is ability to utilize his raw power. Bouwmeester has more than enough leg strength to boot the ball 50 yards, but can do it in a way that limits returns. While his control in situational settings against elite returners needs some refinement, he has the ability to immediately compete in preseason camp and even earn a roster spot.
