Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler nominated for 2025 Broyles Award

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler is one of 63 nominees for the 2025 Broyles Award.

Each year, the Broyles Award honors college football’s top assistant coach.

Ekeler has made dramatic improvements across Nebraska’s special teams units this season.

The Huskers currently rank fourth nationally in kickoff return average (28.9 yards) and 17th in punt return average (17.6 yards). Those marks make Nebraska one of only four programs ranked in the top 20 nationally in both categories.

Kenneth Williams leads the Big Ten and ranks fourth nationally in kickoff return average, while Jacory Barney Jr. is 15th nationally in punt return average.

The Huskers also rank seventh in blocked kicks (three), 11th in kickoff return defense (16.1 yards per return) and 35th in punt return average defense (5.50 yards per return).

Ekeler has developed a pair of first-year starters at the specialist positions.

Kicker Kyle Cunanan is 13-of-16 in field goals and has connected on all 42 PATs. Archie Wilson has placed 12 of his 28 punts inside the 20-yard line and allowed just four punt returns all season.

The Broyles Award selection committee is made up of former Hall of Fame coaches, members of the Football Writers Association of America, and legendary broadcasters.

The selection committee will vote to advance 15 semifinalists, five finalists, and one winner.

The Broyles Award fan vote launched Tuesday at noon and continues throughout the process.

Fans can cast their vote on the Broyles Award website.

The Broyles Award will be announced live at the 30th annual Broyles Award Ceremony on Feb. 12.