Mike Ekeler would bring needed special teams identity change to USC

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Thursday evening, college football insider Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler is likely to be hired by USC.

This would be Ekeler’s second stint with the USC football team, he was the Trojans‘ linebackers coach back in 2013 under head coaches Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron.

This is the kind of move that could dramatically change USC’s 2026 season. Ekeler would represent a total philosophical shift for USC on special teams, one that the Trojans are in dire need of after how the 2025 season played out.

Let’s talk about it.

Check out this VOCFB video

In the waking hours of the Ekeler news, I discussed his potential hire on the USC Channel at the Voice of College Football with special guest Nolan Ezzet. If you prefer a video breakdown or want to see Nolan’s analysis (which is fantastic) please check it out below!

What USC accomplished under special teams coach Ryan Dougherty

Let’s start with what USC has done well in its two seasons under current special teams coordinator Ryan Dougherty. Quite simply, it’s been kicking.

In 2024, Dougherty coached punter Eddie Czpalicki to the best punting season in all of college football. Czaplicki won the Ray Guy award, given to the best punter in the nation.

Makai Lemon was also named All-Big Ten third team as a return specialist in 2024.

In 2025, kicker Ryon Sayeri had a breakout season. Sayeri set the USC single season record with 21 made field goals. His 84% field goal percentage was excellent, and Sayeri also made all 48 of his extra point attempts.

This makes perfect sense, because Dougherty has a kicking background. He was a Conference USA record-holding punter at East Carolina during his playing career. Most of his coaching background is in kicking and offense.

USC had its share of kicking issues in 2024 and punting issues in 2025, so the Trojans also haven’t been able to put together a well rounded kicking season under Dougherty either. But there have definitely been some clear successes.

USC’s struggles on special teams defense

But while the kicking has shined, USC has really struggled in the realm of kickoff and punt coverage, especially at the biggest moments.

The Trojans allowed a 100 yard kickoff return touchdown versus Notre Dame in a game they lost and an 85-yard punt return TD against Oregon in a game they lost. USC had several key, boneheaded special teams mistakes against Oregon in general, which was really puzzling given that it was the 11th game of the season, a game in which USC’s discipline and fundamentals issues should have already been fixed.

Ekeler’s reputation as a defensive coach

In contrast to Ryan Dougherty, Mike Ekeler has an extensive defensive coaching background. He’s coached linebackers at several different top schools, including USC as I mentioned.

That defensive experience shows up on special teams. Last season, Nebraska ranked 12th nationally in kick return defense and also blocked three field goals and two punts.

Before that, at Tennessee, Ekeler’s Volunteers built a reputation as the best punt return unit in the country.

Ekeler’s energy and defensive experience would be a welcome addition to the USC staff in 2026. Maybe he could even replace Rob Ryan as linebackers coach as well, given USC’s struggles at that position in 2025? USC does need to make some sort of change to its full time staff, and it doesn’t sound like it will be firing Dougherty.

Keeping Ryan Dougherty on staff

According to Connor Morrissette of 247 Sports, the Trojans are planning to keep Ryan Dougherty on staff as an analyst/assistant special teams coach for USC next season.

That is absolutely the right move for USC. I am very glad Dougherty is humble enough to accept the role change.

The Trojans can now get the best of both worlds: an elite kicking coach to continue mentoring Ryon Sayeri and coach up new punter Lachlan Carrigan and long snapper Dylan Black, and a defense-first special teams coach to help the Trojans win the field position and turnover battle on special teams. It will only help USC’s defense improve as well.

Let’s hope head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden close the deal with Ekeler in the coming days.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Special teams coach Mike Ekeler would be fresh air for USC football

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos