Nebraska Football Shakes Up Special Teams Staff, Eyes Big Signing Day Win
Nebraska football fans were caught a bit off guard when Josh Martin didn’t end up as the Huskers’ next special teams coordinator. There was some buzz that Martin might step into the role, but head coach Matt Rhule had a different plan in mind-and it’s one that taps into the program’s own legacy.
Rhule is turning to a familiar face in Lincoln: Brett Maher. The former Big Ten Punter and Kicker of the Year is stepping into the coordinator role after spending last season assisting special teams coach Bill Busch Ekeler. Maher worked closely with Nebraska’s kickers and punters in 2025, and now he’s getting the keys to the entire unit.
Maher’s promotion isn’t just a nod to his playing pedigree-it’s also about continuity. He’s been in the building, has worked with the specialists, and understands the standard that Ekeler set last season. Now, the challenge is to maintain that momentum while putting his own stamp on the role.
Joining Maher on the special teams staff is Nick Humphrey, who will serve as co-special teams coordinator. Humphrey, a former Tennessee linebacker who wrapped up his playing days in 2022, is another young coach on the rise.
He spent two seasons working under Ekeler in Knoxville before joining Nebraska as a special teams analyst. Now, he’s stepping into a bigger role alongside Maher.
This new duo represents a fresh chapter for Nebraska’s special teams-both are first-time coordinators, but they’ve been groomed within systems that emphasize discipline and detail. Rhule is betting on internal development and a strong foundation to keep the Huskers’ special teams unit sharp.
All Eyes on Dylan Berymon Ahead of Signing Day
While the coaching shuffle has drawn plenty of attention, Nebraska fans are also watching closely as Signing Day approaches-and there’s a big name on the board.
Dylan Berymon, a 6-foot-2, 330-pound defensive tackle, is set to announce his college commitment Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM. The Huskers are firmly in the mix, battling it out with Kentucky for Berymon’s signature. Florida made a late push over the weekend, attempting to get him on campus, but that visit didn’t materialize.
Berymon is a consensus top-250 prospect, checking in at No. 224 overall in the 247 Sports composite rankings for the 2026 class. If he commits to Nebraska, he’d become the program’s third-highest-ranked pledge in the cycle-a major win in the trenches for a team that’s been building its identity around physicality and depth up front.
Danny Odem Climbs to the Top
And while Berymon’s decision is still pending, Nebraska already has a headliner in the 2026 class. Cornerback Danny Odem just earned a massive bump in the final 247 Sports rankings update, climbing to the No. 1 spot at his position nationally.
Odem now sits at No. 50 overall in the 247 Sports composite rankings, making him one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country-and a cornerstone of the Huskers’ incoming class. His rise reflects both his strong senior season and the high ceiling evaluators see in his game.
Between Odem’s elite status and the potential addition of Berymon, Nebraska is putting together a class with serious bite on the defensive side of the ball. Add in the fresh energy on special teams, and it’s clear the Huskers are laying the groundwork for a new era-one built on talent, toughness, and a little bit of homegrown pride.