Nebraska Spring Look Back: Special Teams
Nebraska recently wrapped up its second spring under head coach Matt Rhule, and there was plenty to discuss.
Today, we wrap up our annual spring positional recaps by looking at the special teams. The third element has been too unpredictable for the Huskers in recent years. Will those units provide more stability in 2024?
Nebraska Spring Look Back series: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | LB | DB
WHAT WE LEARNED: Nebraska hopes experience will steady the specialist ship
Nebraska’s kicking and punting games have been a wild ride over the past few years. Inconsistency has plagued the specialist positions, as head-scratching shanks have far too often followed impressive kicks.
The Huskers hope those ups and downs settle a bit in 2024 as they return their starting placekicker and punter from last season. However, plenty of questions remain at both spots.
Punter Brian Buschini returns for a sixth season after starting the past 24 games for NU. A former FCA All-American at Montana (2019-21), Buschini has shown plenty of positive flashes over the last two seasons. However, he’s also embodied Nebraska’s erratic special teams play, costing field position nearly as much as he’s helped.
At kicker, Tristan Alvano is back after a hit-and-miss freshman campaign. The heralded instate recruit out of Omaha Westside missed three of his first four field goals to start 2023. To his credit, he rallied to make eight of his final 11 tries to close the year.
Every punt and kick are critical for a team that lost four games by three points last season. The Huskers need Buschini and Alvano to steady that ship in 2024.
Nebraska kicker Tristan Alvano (Photo: Casey Fritton/HuskerOnline)
BIGGEST SPRING CONCERN: Can NU trust Alvano in the clutch?
It seems crazy that a player who posted one of the greatest Nebraska state championship kicking performances would be a concern. But Alvano’s hot-and-cold start to his college career has created a cloud of uncertainty.
Alavano overcame a rough start last year and missed just three of his final 11 attempts. However, two came in an overtime loss at Wisconsin and a three-point loss to Iowa.
Last month’s spring game didn’t do much to ease those worries, either. Alvano badly shanked a 32-yard field goal and then a 43-yard try at the end of the first half. He did make a 42-yarder in the fourth quarter to help the White seal the win, but that didn’t ease many of the worries.
Nebraska receiver/kickoff returner Jacory Barney (Photo: Casey Fritton/HuskerOnline)
SPRING SURPRISE: Jacory Barney’s emergence at kickoff returner
It often feels like Nebraska hasn’t had a dynamic element at kickoff returner since J.D. Spielman. That could change if Jacory Barney continues his impressive start.
The receiver from Florida City, Florida, capped a solid first spring in Lincoln with a breakout showing in the Red-White game. Barney caught three passes for 61 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown. But his best highlight came in the return game.
The 6-foot, 170-pound freshman broke loose for a 78-yard kickoff return early in the second quarter. He likely would have scored had he not mistaken Alvano (who made the tackle) for his teammate.
Barney still has to win the job this fall, and the competition should increase when veterans like Rahmir Johnson return to the mix. But the young speedster showed he could be the game-changer NU has been waiting for on kick returns.
Nebraska punter Brian Buschini (Photo: Casey Fritton/HuskerOnline)
LOOKING AHEAD: The search for Plan Bs continues
As mentioned, Nebraska hopes last season’s experience will help settle things down at kicker and punter. But what happens if the struggles continue?
The Huskers don’t have much in the way of proven commodities behind Alvano. Walk-on junior Spencer Pankratz hasn’t played in a game over four years in college. NU also signed walk-on Nico Ottomanelli, who has a big leg but attempted just 17 career field goals in high school.
There’s a bit more intrigue at punter. Senior walk-on Jacob Hohl hasn’t played as a Husker but was a former all-conference selection at Nebraska Wesleyan. Then there’s freshman Kamdyn Koch, son of former NU and NFL great punter Sam Koch.
Kamdyn was the No. 3 punter on the On3 Industry Ranking, and he should at least give Nebraska another option – if needed – this fall.
Barney should push Johnson at kickoff return, and Kwinten Ives also appears to be in that mix. Emmett Johnson was the top punt returner in the spring game.
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