Thursday Night College Football Insider Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported this Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler likely to be hired by USC.
This would be Ekeler’s second stint with the USC football teamhe was the Trojan horses» Linebackers coached in 2013 under head coaches Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron.
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It’s the kind of decision that could drastically change USC’s 2026 season. Ekeler would represent a total philosophical shift for USC on special teams, one that the Trojans sorely need after the 2025 season unfolds.
Let’s talk about it.
Watch this VOCFB video
In the waking hours of Ekeler’s news, I discussed his potential hiring on the USC Channel at the Voice of College Football with special guest Nolan Ezzet. If you prefer a video breakdown or would like 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. It’s simple, it kicks ass.
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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 country.
Makai Lemon was also named third team All-Big Ten as a return specialist in 2024.
In 2025, kicker Ryon Sayeri had an exceptional season. Sayeri set USC’s single-season record with 21 field goals. His 84% field goal percentage was excellent, and Sayeri also made all 48 of his extra point attempts.
This makes perfect sense, as Dougherty has experience as a kicker. He was a Conference USA record punter at East Carolina during his playing career. Most of his coaching experience has been in kicking and offense.
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USC has had its share of kicking issues in 2024 and punting issues in 2025, so the Trojans haven’t been able to put together a well-balanced kicking season under Dougherty either. But there have certainly been obvious successes.
USC’s struggles on special teams defense
But even though the kicking shined, USC really struggled in the area of kickoff and punt coverage, especially in the biggest moments.
The Trojans allowed a 100-yard return touchdown against Notre Dame in a game they lost and an 85-yard punt return against Oregon in a game they lost. USC made several key and stupid special teams mistakes against Oregon in general, which was really confusing considering it was the 11th game of the season, a game in which USC’s discipline and fundamental issues should have already been addressed.
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Ekeler’s reputation as a defensive coach
Unlike Ryan Dougherty, Mike Ekeler has extensive defensive coaching experience. He coached linebackers at several big 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, in Tennessee, the Ekeler 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 USC’s staff in 2026. Perhaps he could even replace Rob Ryan as linebackers coach, given USC’s struggles at the position in 2025? USC needs to make some sort of change to its full-time staff, and it doesn’t appear like it will fire Dougherty.
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Keeping Ryan Dougherty on staff
According to Connor Morrissette of 247 Sportsthe Trojans plan to keep Ryan Dougherty on their staff as an analyst/assistant special teams coach for USC next season.
This is absolutely the right decision for USC. I’m very happy that Dougherty is humble enough to accept the role change.
The Trojans can now benefit from the best of both worlds: an elite kicking coach to continue mentoring Ryon Sayeri and coaching new punter Lachlan Carrigan and long snapper Dylan Black, And a defense-focused special teams coach to help the Trojans win the field position and turnover battle on special teams. This will only help USC’s defense improve as well.
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Hopefully, head coach Lincoln Riley and general manager Chad Bowden close the deal with Ekeler in the coming days.
This article was originally published on Trojans Wire: Special teams coach Mike Ekeler would bring fresh air to USC football
