KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island's special teams unit will feature a new look in 2026, with several Rams stepping into expanded roles following the departure of key contributors from last season.
Rhode Island entered training camp needing to replace starting kicker Garth White and punter Jimmy Allen. Their departures created opportunities at both spots, with a mix of returning Rams and newcomers competing for roles throughout camp.
Returning Ram Randy Leavitt (Woburn, Mass.) will handle the punting duties for Rhode Island to begin the 2026 season. Leavitt appeared in one game for the Rams last season but brings previous collegiate experience from stops at Stonehill, St. George's Community College, and Louisiana Tech. Liam Kennett (North Kingstown, R.I.) will back up Leavitt at the position.
In the kicking game, the Rams will turn to a combination of returner Ty Groff (New Canaan, Conn.) and Old Dominion transfer Josh Hamel (New Hartford, Conn.). Both could see opportunities on field goal and point-after attempts, while Hamel is expected to handle kickoff duties.
Groff spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons as Rhode Island's starting kicker, appearing in 24 games over that stretch. With White taking over the starting role last season, Groff appeared in one game. Still, he brings considerable experience within the Rhode Island program. As the Rams' starter in 2024, Groff put together a five-game stretch in which he connected on at least one field goal in each contest.
Hamel has made collegiate stops at American International, New Haven and, most recently, Old Dominion. He appeared in four games for the Monarchs last season, with most of his work coming on kickoffs. He and Groff are expected to share kicking responsibilities as the Rams open the 2026 campaign.
Adam Okonowicz (New London, Pa.) returns to Rhode Island for his third season with the program and will provide additional depth across the Rams' kicking units.
Rhode Island also returns continuity at long snapper in Dillon Keough (Winchester, Mass.). Keough handled the Rams' long-snapping duties in all 14 games last season and earned Phil Steele Freshman All-America Second Team honors following the campaign.
