Overview
- Ekeler arrives from Nebraska after one season in which the Huskers’ special teams jumped from 92nd to 12th in kickoff coverage, 114th to 14th in punt coverage, 100th to 13th in kickoff return, and 111th to 17th in punt return.
- USC’s 2025 special teams struggled, ranking 132nd in punt coverage, 129th in kickoff coverage, and 123rd in kickoff return.
- The status of incumbent special teams coordinator Ryan Dougherty remains unresolved, with the possibility of a new role on staff.
- USC retains kicker Ryon Sayeri, who set a school record with 21 field goals in 2025, and adds punter Lachlan Carrigan from Memphis.
- The Los Angeles Times described the hire as official and reported that USC’s search for a defensive coordinator is in its final stages.