With Nico Ottomanelli leaving in the portal, Tristan Alvano out most of last season with an injury, and John Hohl missing most of this spring with an injury of his own, there was much speculation about Nebraska looking to add another kicker. Well, the speculation is gone. The Huskers have added transfer portal kicker Kyle Cunanan from Cal to the roster. The 5’10”, 195-pound kicker has three years of eligibility left. Originally starting his career at Charlotte, Cunanan just transferred to Cal this spring. In 2023 as a freshman at Charlotte he made 9-of-15 kicks. In 2024 after going 5-for-5 on field goals in just three games, he redshirted. He was perfect on extra points both seasons.
After arriving at Cal, he learned academically they were unable to offer courses in his specific major, so he jumped into the portal and went looking. Through his kicking coach and mutual connections, he was able to contact Mike Ekler. After sending his film to Nebraska, Ekler and kicking coach Brett Maher sat down and gave it a look. They liked what they saw and invited Cunanan for an official visit. Like most recruits, once Cunanan was able to meet Nebraska’s coaches in person, see Lincoln, the campus, and Nebraska’s facilities, he was blown away. He signed with Nebraska Thursday evening.
As a true freshman in 2023 Alvano had an up and down season, going 27-for-27 on extra points and 9-of-15 on field goals. Alvano started the season in 2024, but it became evident early on he couldn’t make long kicks due to a groin injury. In stepped John Hohl. On the season, Alvano was perfect once again on extra points going 12-of-12 but went 3-of-5 on field goals. Hohl took over and started out shaky but got better as the season went on. He finished 23-of-25 on extra points and went 10-of-15 on field goals. He had his best day at Ohio State, going 3-of-3 on field goals with his longest being 54 yards.
According to Cunanan, Ekeler and Maher made it clear they wanted him to come to Nebraska, but it was also with the understanding that he would have to compete for the job. The big thing that stood out for Ekeler and Maher was Cunanan’s 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. But Ekeler isn’t finished in his quest for kickers, he’ll now be on the hunt for at least one if not two rugby punters.
It’s going to be an interesting summer and fall in Lincoln. But one thing holds true, competition makes everyone better.
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