At the beginning of this three-part series, I said there are three things that must happen this season. In Part 1, I covered the defensive line and development. In Part 2, it was Dana Holgorsen’s plan for using players to capitalize on their abilities. Today, Part 3 covers the new special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler. What he brings to this team may be the single most important addition of the 2025 season.
Special teams play has been so abysmal over the last seven seasons that anything will be an improvement. Husker fans have high expectations for Raiola and Holgorsen’s offense and they believe in John Butler and his inexperienced front seven because of the talent level they possess. But until Ekeler was hired there was nothing but negative expectations for the special teams. Every time they trotted onto the field there was a collective hush amongst the fans as they closed their eyes and held their breath, waiting for someone who was watching to groan so they could open their eyes, watch the replay, and allow their own groans to echo throughout the stadium.
Think Taylor-Britt fielding a punt and tossing it out of the endzone for a safety. Think of the punt to the opposite side of coverage against Michigan State that cost them the game. Think of the numerous blocked kicks last season. Think of the muffed punt against Iowa in the last game of the season. Those are just a few examples of what fans have had to endure when watching Husker special teams over the last few seasons. It’s been more than ugly.
Enter Mike Ekeler. Not only will the atrocious mistakes disappear, but the numbers will flip as well. Matt Rhule himself admitted that when Ekeler was suggested as a possible hire that he winced and avoided the possibility simply because Ekeler had coached at Nebraska before. But after he looked at film and went over Ekeler’s numbers he realized he was the right guy.
Rhule has also said in recruiting players that if they show loyalty and buy into Nebraska 100% that Nebraska will stand behind them and invest in them and their future. Rhule has done the same thing with Mikle Ekeler. He’s given Ekeler total control of special teams. Going so far as to allow him to add assistant Nick Humphrey and retain Brett Maher. Maher played under Ekeler at Nebraska from 2008 to 2012. While some will tell you Ekeler wasn’t the special teams coordinator at that time, it’s undeniable he played a huge role and was very influential during that period.
Between Ekeler, Humphrey, and Maher they’ve overhauled the roster. That included informing newly added transfer portal punter Jack McCallister that his abilities weren’t going to work at Nebraska. The Huskers also added long snapper Kevin Gallic as well. He was a good addition and looked impressive in the spring game competition.
After that Ekeler added place kicker Kyle Cunanan, a 5’10”, 195-pound kicker who has three years of eligibility. The big thing that stood out for Ekeler and Maher about Cunanan was his strong leg and the ability to strike the ball consistently. Something that is crucial when kicking in a windy Memorial Stadium. So, now it seems Ekeler has set up a three-way competition at the kicking position and Brett Maher has his work cut out determining who the right guy will be between Alvano, Hohl, and Cunanan.
Ekeler then brought in rugby style punter Archie Wilson from Prokick Australia. The 6’1” 185lb freshman can scramble both left and right and kick with either foot. On field reports thus far have been very positive. Not only has Ekeler had great success with rugby-style punters, overall Prokick punters have produced eight Ray Guy Award winners. The Ray Guy Award is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding punters.
While Ekeler was at Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel was known for not allowing starters to participate on special teams. So Ekeler’s numbers were created using younger guys and non-starters. That more than likely won’t be the case at Nebraska. Rhule will allow Ekeler to use whoever is needed to get the best results. However, there are several names that currently aren’t starters but could potentially play big roles. Some of the names floating around are Jeremiah Charles, Vincent Genatone, Jamir Conn, and Danny King. Also look for transfer portal add Andrew Marshall to be a dangerous return man on punts.
As for numbers, let’s look at the comparison between Tennessee and Nebraska from last season. When reviewing special team stats, it’s important to recognize the number of plays involved. How a team performs defensively and offensively has a direct correlation on the number of special team plays.
Kickoff Return Stats Offensively
Tennessee returned 14 kicks for 209 yards for a 20.71-yard average or 22.03-yard average per game. 13 games.
Nebraska returned 23 kicks for 427yards for an 18.57-yard average or 32.8-yard average per game (13).
Kickoff Return Stats Defensively
Tennessee allowed 10 kick returns for 229-yards per game for a 22.90-yard average or 17.6-yards per game (13).
Nebraska allowed 27 kick returns for 587-yards per game for a 21.74-yard average or 45.2 yards per game (13).
Punt Return Stats
Tennessee received 27 punts for 424-yards for a15.70-yard average or 32.6-yards per game (13). They had 16 fair catches and 1 TD.
Nebraska received 15 punts for 73 yards for a 4.87-yard average or 5.6-yards per game (13). They had 21 fair catches and 0 TDs.
Punt Returns Against
Tennessee defended 17 punts for 115 yards, a 6.76-yard average for 8.8-yards per game (13). The opposing team made 15 fair catches, with 30 yards being the longest return. They allowed 0 TDs.
Nebraska defended 17 punts for 257 yards, a 15.12-yard average, for 19.8 yards per game. The opposing team made 15 fair catches, with 37 yards being the longest return. They allowed 0 TDs.
Punting Stats
Tennessee punted the ball 53 times for 2,329 yards and a 43.94-yard average. They had 4 touchbacks, placed 21 kicks inside the 20, and allowed 0 blocks. Which equates to 40.26 yards net.
Nebraska punted the ball 51 times for 2,093 yards and a 41.04-yard average. They had 3 touchbacks, placed 16 inside the 20, and allowed 4 blocks. Which equates to 32.29 net. Brian Buschini deserves some real credit considering his protection.
As you can see, there is a disparity in numbers. If Ekeler and his coaches can get Nebraska to match Tennessee’s numbers, it’ll be good for two additional wins this coming season. There is no place to go but up. Mike Ekeler brings a fire and intensity that will ignite the entire team. He’s the right man for the job.
As a Husker fan, if you aren’t excited you should be.
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