BREAKING: Ethan Moczulski officially decommits from Texas A&M and commits to Illini as preferred walk-on.

Texas A&M transfer kicker Ethan Moczulski has committed to Illinois, he announced on social media on Saturday following a visit to the UI campus. Moczulski will join Illinois as a preferred walk-on, a source told Illini Inquirer. He has four years of eligibility after redshirting the 2022 season at Texas A&M and suffering an undisclosed season-ending injury in 2023.

• A Spokane (Wash.) native, Moczulski played in just two games in two seasons at Texas A&M, kicking off three times and making one extra point.
• 247Sports ranked Moczulski as the No. 1 kicker in the Class of 2022, and he was on scholarship at Texas A&M.
• Chris Sailer Kicking ranked Moczulski the No. 1 kicker in the Class of 2022.
• Kohl’s Kicking ranked Moczulski the No. 7 kicker in the Class of 2022.
• Moczulski participated in the 2022 All-American Bowl.

 

What it means: Moczulski adds some needed depth and competition at kicker. With Caleb Griffin out of eligibility, sophomore David Olano is expected to take over field goal and extra point duties for Illinois. Olano handled kickoff duties for Illinois last season. At best, Moczulski could push Olano for the kicking jobs. At worst, he upgrades depth and makes kicker a real strength given his pedigree. Fabrizio Pinton had been the top backup option during spring, but he did enter the transfer portal during the winter only to return to Illinois and doesn’t have as much leg strength as Moczulski on field goals or kickoffs. This is a valuable addition as a preferred walk-on.

 

Chris Sailer kicking player review: “Ethan is a phenomenal high school kicking prospect. He is a great looking athlete with bright college future. Ethan does a fantastic job on field goal. He gets the ball up quick off the ground and easily has 55+ yard range. His kickoffs are amongst the best in the country, FBS ready. He drives the ball 65+ yards, with 4.0+ hang time consistently. Ethan is a big time competitor that thrives under pressure. I look forward to seeing what the future holds. Look for Ethan to dominate his senior season. He is a fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic. One of the hardest workers out there. Big time prospect.”