Lincoln Riley digs into Big Ten rival to make addition to the coaching staff

The USC Trojans have hired Mike Ekeler as their special teams coordinator for 2026. This marks the first time in the Lincoln Riley era that USC will have a dedicated special teams coordinator on staff.

Ekeler, coming from Nebraska where he held the same position, is making his return to USC for a second stint after working as linebackers coach in 2013. From a productivity angle, USC’s special teams get a major boost with his addition. The Trojans ranked No. 132 nationally in punt return average (PRA), while Nebraska was No. 14 in the same category.

For USC last season and Nebraska in 2024, both teams struggled badly in special teams, ranking around 100th or worse across the board. But after Ekeler joined the Huskers in 2025, their rankings soared, never dropping below No. 17 in any category. That’s a seismic shift in special teams performance and one that could help the Trojans win in all three phases in 2026.

Former USC Trojan Dion Bailey was pumped about the hire, having been coached by Ekeler back in 2013.

What really stands out is that Bailey calls this a culture hire, which is huge. It’s not just about having a special teams coordinator—, t’s about having one who fosters an environment where players are genuinely excited to contribute and make an impact on special teams.

The Trojans have finally brought on a special teams coach, a move the fanbase has been hoping for. It seems USC landed one of the top options available.