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Ekeler Discusses Special Teams, Archie Wilson

Aug 12, 2025 / NU Athletics

Photo Credit: NU Athletic Communications
Photo Credit: NU Athletic Communications

Following fall practice, special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler met with members of the media to share his thoughts and experiences with the Huskers’ new punter, Archie Wilson.

 “Man, that guy is special. I mean, he truly is,” Ekeler said. “He’s 18 years old, leaves home for the first time, goes to a different country, and leaves his family which he’s extremely close to. What coach said about him is accurate. That kid knows every one of his teammates, and his teammates love him because of the energy he brings in the building, not just because of what he can do with the football.”

He spoke on the special teams unit’s mindset during fall camp.

“It’s not where we start, it's where we finish,” Ekeler said. “Wishing and trying and hoping, we don’t use those words. What we do is we work every single day. When you work, and you put it on film, and players see that what you’re doing works they gain confidence. They gain confidence by going out there and having success.”

Ekeler discussed the Huskers’ punt return team.

“Our saying on punt returns is ‘get it started man, just get it started,’” he said. “We want to lead the country in the number of punt returns and we want to average 10 yards or more. Every time you return a ball, you’re giving your offense a first down. Instead of starting on the 30, you’re on the 40 or instead of on the 40, you’re on the 50.”

 Fans can purchase single-game or 3-game mini plan tickets at huskers.com/tickets. The 3-game mini plan includes the USC game, a choice between the Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa matchups and a choice between the games against Akron and Houston Christian. 

NU will open its season against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday, August 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The game, which starts at 8 p.m. (CT), will be televised on ESPN and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network. The Huskers’ first home game is set for Saturday, Sept. 6 against the Akron Zips. That contest will kick off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) and can be seen on the Big Ten Network and heard across the Huskers Radio Network.


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