What used to be a source of memes and frustration is now a point of pride. The Huskers aren’t hoping something good will happen on special teams. They’re expecting it—because they taught it, practiced it, and predicted it. And they’re delivering.
Five games into the 2025 season, Nebraska boasts 263 punt return yards compared to -1 from its opponents. Jamir Conn blocked a punt against Michigan State like it was scripted. Jacory Barney returned 81 yards on punts, even with one called back. Kicker Kyle Cunanen is 7-for-8. Freshman punter Archie Wilson already has two punts inside the 10 and averaged over 49 net yards against Michigan.
This isn’t luck. It’s method.
“We don’t use words like ‘hope’ or ‘try,’” said special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler. “We’re grown men. We work every day. And when you put it on film and players see it works, they gain confidence. And with confidence, you make plays.”
That energy is real. But as head coach Matt Rhule said, what sets Ekeler apart isn’t just his enthusiasm—it’s his teaching. “His progression is incredible. He uses the Socratic method. He makes you think. He makes you respond. And that builds conviction.”
Associate head coach Phil Snow saw it during the job interview. “A good teacher gives a stimulus and expects a response. Ekeler does it with clarity and aggression.”
That clarity showed up before the Michigan State game. Tight ends coach Marcus Satterfield told Rhule, “I can’t wait to see Jamir.” Everyone knew what was coming. Conn was going to block a punt. It wasn’t a matter of if, but when.
And he did. Conn came through so clean he blocked the ball below the waist. Carter Nelson just had to scoop it and walk three yards for the touchdown.
“When your tight ends coach tells you what’s going to happen in the game, it’s because it’s been taught so well there’s no doubt,” Rhule said.
He even gave Conn permission to take the risk: “If you hit the punter, you hit the punter. Go get that kick.”
The group’s precision is such that Dasan McCullough knew Conn reached the punter in 1.8 seconds. “He’s a workaholic,” McCullough said.
Jacory Barney, fifth in the nation in punt return average, summed it up: “I trust my guys blocking. They want to block for me. Every time we go out there, they think, ‘This is the one.’ So it’s on me from there.”
And the numbers back it up:
- Nebraska ranks third nationally in punt coverage and 17th in kick coverage.
- Cunanen is 4-for-5 on field goals beyond 30 yards.
- Brett Maher has been key in developing specialists, teaching from experience.
Rhule admitted: “For years I was just saying, ‘Kick it through the uprights.’ But what did I know? It was like me talking about someone’s golf swing.”
Today, Nebraska isn’t talking about cursed salaries or viral mistakes. They’re talking about execution. About teaching. About conviction.
“Our players are completely bought in,” Rhule said. “They love that we’re making plays.”