Nebraska's special teams coordinator, Mike Ekeler, is leaving for USC after just one season with the Huskers. His departure marks a significant loss for the team, as he played a pivotal role in transforming Nebraska's special teams from a liability to a strength. Ekeler's impact was immediate and profound, with his energetic approach leading to impressive results.
In his first season, Nebraska's special teams unit excelled, allowing no blocked kicks and blocking three, which was the ninth-best in the country. This success was largely due to Ekeler's ability to develop return specialist Kenneth Williams into one of the nation's top kick returners. Williams' 32.9 yards per return earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors, a testament to Ekeler's coaching prowess.
Punt returns also saw a significant improvement, with Nebraska increasing its average from 4.9 yards per return in 2024 to 13.6 in 2025, led by Jacory Barney Jr.'s 12.3-yard average, the 13th-best in the nation. Barney's 270 punt return yards were the most since De'Mornay Pierson-El's 596 in 2014.
Ekeler also reshaped Nebraska's specialist room, bringing in Cal transfer kicker Kyle Cunanan, who made 16-of-19 field goals, including a career-long 52-yarder. He also implemented rugby-style punting with Archie Wilson, who pinned 12 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Furthermore, Ekeler addressed long-snapping woes, bringing in New Hampshire transfer Kevin Gallic, whose name wasn't mentioned once this season. The Huskers recently added Michigan State long snapper Jack Wills from the transfer portal, and Ekeler also helped bring in Australian kicker Michael Sarikizis to Nebraska's 2026 recruiting class.
Despite his success, Ekeler's departure is a significant loss for Nebraska. His previous experience on defense, including as Nebraska's outside linebackers coach from 2008 to 2010 and Tennessee's special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach from 2021 to 2024, makes his impact on the team even more notable. As Nebraska looks to fill his shoes, the team will undoubtedly face a challenge in maintaining the high level of success he brought to the special teams unit.
