Nebraska special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler was named one of 63 nominees for the 2025 Broyles Award, honoring college football’s top assistant coach
Ekeler has directed a substantial turnaround on the Cornhuskers’ special teams this season. Nebraska ranks fourth nationally in kick returns (28.9 per kick return) and 17th in punt returns (17.6). The Huskers are one of four programs ranked in the top 20 nationally in both kickoff and punt returns. Kenneth Williams ranks fourth in the country in kick return average, while Jacory Barney, Jr., is 15th in punt return average.
The Broyles Award selection committee is made up of former hall of fame coaches, members of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), and legendary broadcasters. The selection committee will vote to advance 15 semifinalists, five finalists, and one overall winner.
The Broyles Award Fan Vote launched today at noon CST and continues throughout the process. Fans can cast votes for their favorite nominees throughout each stage of the competition. Each individual fan vote counts toward one collective “fan vote” in the official selection process of each round. Fans can vote at BroylesAward.com/Vote
The Broyles Award winner will be announced live at the 30th Annual Broyles Award Ceremony on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Ark.