OXFORD — The Miami RedHawks don’t treat special teams like filler snaps wedged between offense and defense.
They’re a program-defining phase — a difference-maker in certain moments — and once again a unit that could determine how well the RedHawks do in 2025.
Miami coach Chuck Martin has long built his program with special teams at the forefront.
“Everybody says it’s a third of the game,” Martin said. “Not most people put a third of the time into it. I wouldn’t say we put a third of the time into it, but we put more time into it than most. We’ve had an unbelievable run with our specialists, and we look forward to continuing it this year.”
The heart of this year’s group is junior kicker Dom Dzioban, whose breakout last season earned him Lou Groza Award semifinalist recognition. Dzioban hit 26 of 30 field goals — including a career-long 51-yarder — and showed an ability to rise in the clutch.
“The best thing I’d say about Dom is he’s a really, really, really talented kicker,” Martin said. “If it’s a pressure situation, he’s even better. A lot of people aren’t that way in life — the bigger the moment, the better that kid is.”
But Dzioban’s job isn’t without competition. Sophomore Kellan McLaughlin, who handled kickoff duties last fall, has the leg talent to push for more.
Martin calls special teams “the most competitive room in the building,” noting that McLaughlin’s growth could make him Miami’s next standout kicker.
“It was a tough battle last spring,” Martin said. “If he beats Dom out, he beats him out. If he doesn’t, which is a tall task because Dom’s one of the better kickers in the country, he’ll be the next great kicker at Miami.”
Where the RedHawks have some uncertainty is at punter. The graduation of Alec Bevelhimer leaves a void, though Martin has options. Dzioban could add punting duties, showing his versatility.
The staff also brought in Pierse Stainton, who is expected to compete immediately, and Carter Holden, a promising underclassman who has steadily improved as both a kicker and punter.
“We’re not sure who the punter’s going to be yet, but we feel good,” Martin said. “We’ve got guys who are talented and getting better and better.”
Stability comes at long snapper, where junior Hudson Powell returns after handling both short and long snapping duties last season. At 6-foot-3, Powell’s size and consistency provide an anchor to the operation. Miami also added freshman Gray Maultsby as a backup to ensure depth.
“We always feel like we’re going to be the best special teams unit in the league every single year, and that’s our goal,” Martin said. “Like a lot of teams, but we’ve been a dynamic special teams unit.
“It’s been an unbelievable run. When the game’s on the line, our specialists have been ready. We expect nothing less this year.”
