Matt Rhule reveals Nebraska has identified a punter, not yet revealing name

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have their next punter. Head coach Matt Rhule just isn’t sharing that punter’s name yet.

While speaking with Husker Online, Rhule shared exactly what Nebraska has been looking for in a punter. He also shared that the Cornhuskers have found a punter for 2025. It’s just a matter of getting them into the program.

“Punting wise, as I talked about in the press conference, [Mike Ekeler] wants to utilize the rugby style,” Matt Rhule said. “Wants to be able to go with someone who can punt right-footed and left-footed. We have a young man ready to come.”

Nebraska currently lists one punter on its roster, Kamdyn Koch. There are also three different place kickers. However, given that the punter isn’t yet with the program, it’s safe to say that Rhule is getting ready to add to that position.

“You know, we haven’t announced his name yet,” Rhule said. “But we would expect that he would be here on June 1st. Get him ready to start workouts on June 2nd. Kamdyn is still here as well. So, we have a depth. Johnny Hohl can also punt. So, we’re trying to make this really a strength for us moving forward.”

From 2022 through 2024, Brian Buschini acted as Nebraska’s punter. Last season, he averaged 44.7 yards per punt on 45 attempts. He also put 16 balls inside the 20. Quarterback Dylan Raiola also punted a couple of times, and, as a team, Nebraska averaged 41.04 yards per punt. That was 96th in punting as a team.

Matt Rhule looked to address special teams in the offseason. First, he brought in transfer punter Jack McCallister. Then, he brought in new special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler. Unfortunately, that hire signaled a shift from traditional pocket punting to rugby-style punting, which goes against McCallister’s strengths. So, in the spring, he re-entered the Transfer Portal.

“So, when we met with him on Thursday,” Rhule said of the transfer. “First Coach Ekeler and then myself met with him on Thursday we let him know that we would be moving in that direction, away from what he’s good at. While we offered him certainly he could stay, it’s probably in his best interest to go and find something that’s schematically what he does… So, I don’t feel good about how it happened. I don’t feel good about the situation. I don’t feel good about it, but it is what’s in the best interest of us moving forward schematically and special teams wise.”

Matt Rhule also noted that Nebraska would have him back if he’s unable to find a new program, which, to this point, Jack McCallister hasn’t. However, his skillset still doesn’t fit with the new scheme at Nebraska.