"Ekeler spent just one season in Lincoln but managed to transform many of the Huskers' special teams operations. Nebraska went from 92nd in kickoff coverage in 2024 to 12th in 2025. The punt coverage (114th to 14th), kickoff return (100th to 13th) and punt return teams (111th to 17th) also experienced similarly significant leaps. Now he'll take the reins of the Trojans special teams, which were lacking in many of those areas last season."
"Under Dougherty last season, USC ranked 132nd in punt coverage, albeit with a limited sample size, 129th in kickoff coverage - giving up 26.3 yards per return - and 123rd in kickoff return. USC was stellar in the kicking game, as former walk-on Ryon Sayeri knocked through a school record 21 field goals. Sayeri will return in 2026, while USC has added a new punter, Lachlan Carrigan, who spent last season at Memphis."
USC hired Mike Ekeler from Nebraska to be the Trojans' special teams coordinator for the 2026 season. Ekeler spent one season at Nebraska and significantly improved kickoff coverage (92nd to 12th), punt coverage (114th to 14th), kickoff return (100th to 13th) and punt return (111th to 17th). USC struggled in coverage and returns last season, ranking near the bottom nationally, but retained kicker Ryon Sayeri and added punter Lachlan Carrigan. Ekeler previously coached linebackers at USC in 2013 and has alternated between special teams and defensive-end coaching across multiple programs. Ryan Dougherty's future role on the staff remains unclear.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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