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, with his energetic approach resulting in a blocked kick-free season in 2025, a stark contrast to the seven blocked kicks allowed in 2024. This improvement was further evidenced by the Huskers blocking three kicks, which tied for ninth-best in the country.
Under Ekeler's guidance, return specialist Kenneth Williams developed into one of the nation's top kick returners, leading the Big Ten with 32.9 yards per return and earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. Punt returns also soared, with Nebraska improving from 4.9 yards per return in 2024 to 13.6 in 2025, thanks to 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. Additionally, 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 secure Australian kicker Michael Sarikizis for Nebraska's 2026 recruiting class.
Despite his success, Ekeler's departure to USC 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 departure even more impactful. The team will need to find a way to fill the void left by his departure, as his influence on the team's success was undeniable.
