Baltimore Ravens Face Major Kicking Shakeup as John Hoyland Joins Tyler Loop in Post-Justin Tucker Era.
The Baltimore Ravens are undergoing one of the most dramatic transitions in franchise history—one that could reshape the very identity of their special teams unit. After 13 seasons of unparalleled consistency from future Hall of Famer Justin Tucker, the Ravens are turning to a pair of untested rookies to compete for the most scrutinized kicking job in the NFL. With John Hoyland joining Tyler Loop, Baltimore is firmly entrenched in the post-Tucker era, an uncharted chapter filled with uncertainty, promise, and immense pressure.
The End of an Era: Justin Tucker’s Departure
Justin Tucker’s release on May 5, 2025, marked the abrupt conclusion of a legendary run. As the most accurate kicker in NFL history—holding the record for the longest field goal at 66 yards and a career accuracy rate of 89.1%—Tucker was a model of excellence. But his departure didn’t come down to performance or age.
The Ravens officially stated the decision was “football-related,” but that claim came amid a firestorm of controversy. Tucker is currently under investigation for multiple allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to incidents between 2012 and 2016. Sixteen women have come forward, and while no formal charges have been filed as of yet, the NFL and Ravens found themselves embroiled in intense media scrutiny.
General Manager Eric DeCosta remained tight-lipped during a press conference following Tucker’s release, saying only, “We’re moving in a new direction as a team.” However, behind closed doors, sources indicate the controversy may have accelerated what would otherwise have been a slower transition.
Regardless of the cause, the impact is the same: the Ravens must now rebuild a critical aspect of their team around new, unproven talent.
The Kicking Candidates: Hoyland and Loop
John Hoyland: The Underdog from Wyoming
Just days after Tucker’s release, the Ravens signed undrafted rookie kicker John Hoyland out of the University of Wyoming. It was a move that flew under the radar nationally but could have long-term implications for the team’s future.
Hoyland’s college numbers are solid, if not spectacular. In his senior season, he made 15 of 19 field goals, with a long of 53 yards. More importantly, he converted all 38 of his extra point attempts, demonstrating consistency in shorter-range situations.
What sets Hoyland apart is his mental toughness. Wyoming, a program known for playing in harsh weather conditions, gave him ample experience kicking under duress. That experience could prove vital in Baltimore, where the wind coming off the Chesapeake Bay can wreak havoc during late-season games.
During his first rookie minicamp session, Hoyland impressed coaches with his calm demeanor and clean mechanics. Special Teams Coordinator Randy Brown noted, “He’s very coachable. There’s a natural poise there that you can’t teach.”
Tyler Loop: The Drafted Favorite
In contrast to Hoyland, Tyler Loop enters the competition with the advantage of draft capital. Selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Loop was one of the most accurate kickers in college football during his time at the University of Arizona.
Loop hit 92.4% of his field goal attempts as a senior, including a 5-for-6 record on kicks from 50+ yards. He was also a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, given to the nation’s best kicker. His leg strength and proven range made him a favorite among scouts, and Baltimore likely viewed him as a high-upside option to develop behind Tucker—or, as it turns out, replace him.
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said of Loop, “He’s got all the tools. Accuracy, strength, the right mindset. We drafted him for a reason.”
The Competition Heats Up
With two rookie kickers now on the roster, the Ravens will let competition determine who earns the starting job. While it’s common for teams to bring multiple kickers into camp, this situation is different: one of these young men will be stepping into the shoes of arguably the greatest kicker in league history.
That pressure is both a motivator and a potential burden. “We know what Justin meant to this team,” Loop said during rookie camp. “But I’m not trying to be Justin Tucker. I’m trying to be the best version of me.”
Hoyland echoed that sentiment. “I respect what he did here, but we’re both here to compete and help this team win.”
Harbaugh and Brown have made it clear that no one has an edge at the moment. The Ravens plan to give both kickers equal reps in OTA practices, training camp, and preseason games. The job is truly up for grabs, and each player will be judged not only on accuracy but on poise, trajectory, hangtime, and the ability to execute under pressure.
The Locker Room Reaction
Tucker was a revered figure in the Ravens locker room, known not only for his kicking but his leadership and charisma. His opera singing, quirky humor, and unwavering confidence made him a fan and player favorite.
Players like Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith have expressed both surprise and support for the team’s decision. “It’s tough,” said Jackson. “He’s a legend, no doubt. But we have to trust the guys upstairs and focus on winning football games.”
Veteran punter Jordan Stout, who also holds for field goals, is now working with both Loop and Hoyland. “It’s a process,” he said. “They’re both talented. My job is to make their job easier, and I’m confident we’ll get into rhythm with whoever wins the spot.”
Fans React to the Shakeup
Among fans, the reaction has been mixed. Many are heartbroken to see Tucker go, especially under such murky circumstances. His clutch kicks and larger-than-life personality made him a fixture in Baltimore sports lore.
At the same time, fans recognize the need to plan for the future. “We’ve seen what happens when you don’t have a good kicker,” one fan tweeted. “Tucker spoiled us. Now we’ll find out if one of these guys can carry the torch.”
Another Reddit commenter noted, “I just hope the front office knows what it’s doing. This team is built to contend for a Super Bowl. A missed field goal in December could be the difference.”
What’s at Stake?
The stakes for the Ravens couldn’t be higher. In a highly competitive AFC North, where games often come down to a field goal, special teams are not a luxury—they’re a necessity. A reliable kicker can be the difference between 10-7 and 12-5, between a wild-card spot and a division title.
The Ravens, armed with one of the NFL’s best defenses and an MVP-caliber quarterback in Lamar Jackson, are in win-now mode. Whoever emerges from this kicking battle must not only be consistent but clutch.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy in Transition
Replacing a legend is never easy. For over a decade, Justin Tucker provided the Ravens with peace of mind in the most stressful situations. His release, while shocking, also signals a necessary reset in light of his off-field controversies.
Now, with John Hoyland and Tyler Loop set to duel for the job, the Ravens are entering a new phase—one built on competition, youth, and hope.
Whether it’s the steady hand of Hoyland or the booming leg of Loop, the next Ravens kicker will face the ultimate test: not just making kicks, but making history in a city that knows greatness when it sees it.
