The Nebraska football program is reportedly close to announcing its new punter. According to HuskerOnline, Australian rugby-style punter Archie Wilson is scheduled for an official visit this weekend.
Wilson’s name appears in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s student directory, but it remains unclear whether he has been officially offered a scholarship by the university. The team’s head coach, Matt Rhule, mentioned that the summer session would begin on June 2, providing ample time to make a decision on the new punter before fall camp begins in late July or early August.
Coaching Changes and New Philosophy
Rhule recently hired special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler, who is shifting the punt team philosophy from traditional to rugby style. Ekeler had success with this approach at Tennessee and believes it could lead to better performance under windy conditions like those found at Memorial Stadium.
- Ekeler praised Australian-born Tennessee punter Jackson Ross for his strong play over the past two seasons. Ross trained at Prokick Australia and became one of several successful Aussie punters brought into American football through that organization.
- "We obviously have some things in the works – some Plan A, Plan B type guys," Rhule said about their search for a new punter.
The hiring of Ekeler marks a significant change in direction for Nebraska’s special teams unit. Under former coach Scott Frost and special teams coordinator Cody Calahan, NU used traditional punters who focused on hangtime rather than distance and touchback percentage as much as possible under windy conditions.
In contrast, Ekeler has shifted his focus towards rugby-style punters who can consistently pin opponents deep inside their own territory with high-percentage touchbacks.
Emphasis on Hangtime
Rhule stated, "We’re going back more towards what we did when I was here before," emphasizing a return to prioritizing hangtime over distance and touchback percentage. He believes this approach will be beneficial.
Ekeler highlighted Ross’s consistency, noting that he averaged 44 yards per kick last season despite facing top-20 opponents.
Potential Candidates
Ekeler also mentioned another potential candidate from Australia: Ethan Wrigley, a Brisbane-based kicker. Wrigley played soccer professionally overseas until he decided to pursue American football after being released by Brisbane City FC.
- The 6-foot-1 senior kicker told ESPN.com that he currently has no offers but expects them soon. He expressed concern that if no offers materialize, "it would be very difficult" as other colleges are actively recruiting him.
The search continues with multiple candidates still being considered. Nebraska fans will have plenty of opportunities to see these players perform live once fall camp begins later this summer.
Sources close to HuskerOnline indicate they expect Wilson or Wrigley—or possibly both—to arrive in Lincoln sometime between now and mid-June. Wilson plans an official visit this weekend, while Wrigley plans visits later next month.
When asked if either player had been offered scholarships yet, Rhule replied, "We’ll see how things develop."
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