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It didn’t take former Auburn specialist Ben Patton long to find a new home.
Last Tuesday, it was announced that Patton was entering the transfer portal. Just 6 days later, and Michigan State announced via spokesperson that Patton had been added to the Spartans’ roster as a graduate transfer.
Michigan State has added kicker Ben Patton to its roster, grad transfer from Auburn, per a program spokesperson.
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) August 22, 2022
Patton joined the Auburn Tigers as a freshman in 2019, where he had 2 kickoffs, and 2 good PATs against Samford. In 2021, Patton became the starter after Anders Carlson suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
As Carlson’s backup, Patton went 6-for-6 on extra points and 5-for-6 on field goals. He was also essential in the multi-overtime battle against Alabama in 2021, hitting a 33-yarder in regulation and 49-yard kick in the second OT against Alabama.
Patton will have some large shoes to fill as he attempts to replace former kicker Matt Coghlin, who departed for the NFL in 2022. Coghlin holds the Spartans’ record with 76 field goals made. He is also No. 5 all-time in field goal percentage and is currently Michigan State’s all-time scoring leader with 382 total points.
Patton will get a chance to show off his skills, as he and the rest of the Spartans will host the Western Michigan Broncos when they open the season on Sept. 3.
