ANN ARBOR – Michigan Wolverines kicker Dominic Zvada could be kicking in an NFL training camp ahead of this season, but he opted for one more year with higher expectations in the building. The Wolverines know that they will need to be better in all three phases and work together to reach those lofty goals. […]
ANN ARBOR – Michigan Wolverines kicker Dominic Zvada could be kicking in an NFL training camp ahead of this season, but he opted for one more year with higher expectations in the building.
The Wolverines know that they will need to be better in all three phases and work together to reach those lofty goals. Zvada takes that personally with the special teams side of the operation.
“We’re the bridge between the offense and the defense,” Zvada said on Thursday afternoon. “If we have a stalled drive and need to make a play, punt, and pin them deep, we help the defense. Same with when we score a touchdown. We’ve got to kick off and make sure the defense is in a good spot. We’re the bridge, and we take immense pride in being that bridge between the offense and the defense.
“If we’re not on, then complimentary football isn’t there. We have to bring our A-game every time.”
Zvada will be the team’s starting kicker with punter Hudson Hollenbeck also taking on holding duties. Transfer Beckham Sunderland is competing with Zvada for the kickoff specialist job. He sees improvement throughout Michigan’s special teams.
“We’ve all gotten really good,” Zvada said. “Watching that bowl game, we played very well. Kickoff has been really good, and we’ve worked on it this offseason. Beckham and I are competing for it right now, and he’s been a great test. We’ve gone back and forth, and it’ll be fun to see who gets the opportunity. He’s a really good player as well. I think kickoff will be a strength for us, and we’ll do everything else we did well last year at a high level again. I think I did pretty well.”
Zvada drilled 21 of his 22 field goal attempts in 2024, with 7 made kicks from 50-plus yards — setting both single-season and program records. The previous record for 50-plus yarders in a season was 4.
He also discussed his process for getting work in, and what his range might ultimately be at Michigan. Zvada revealed that his range is somewhere between 62-67 yards. Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little, hitting a 70-yarder in preseason action over the weekend, is something he now might have to top.
“Normally, I give them my line where the ball is spotted at the 35, which is a 53-yard kick,” Zvada said. “If there’s wind or we’re feeling something different, I’m usually next to Coach Moore before we go out, and I’ll give him a nod that we’re good to go or that I need a couple more yards. Usually, we start around a 53-yard kick, but that can change.
“With Cam Little hitting a 70-yarder the other day, it’s like, “Well, now we have to back that up more.” He made everyone feel like we’ve got to do a little bit more. Back in high school, I went to camps around the country, met kids in my class, and we still have a big, active group chat.
“I know Cam, and I texted him — I was really happy for him. I knew he could do it, so it wasn’t a big surprise, but it was still crazy to see. Everyone in the chat was going nuts. I haven’t tried one since then. Today would’ve been a good day with the wind at our back, but I didn’t want to come up short and get frustrated.
At the end of the day, Zvada is back to make bigger kicks in bigger moments. That is his major goal for the 2025 season.
“I came back to Michigan because I wasn’t satisfied with how last year ended,” Zvada said. “Winning eight games isn’t the Michigan standard, and everyone here knows that. I’m shooting for the CFP and want to play in big games, hopefully the national championship. Personally, I want to perform at the highest level every time I’m out there, be reliable, and give my team confidence that we’ll get three points when called upon. Awards would be nice, but those come from focusing on the process.”
Category: General Sports
