The USC Trojans are making significant changes to their special teams as they prepare for the upcoming football season. Coach Lincoln Riley is increasing his involvement in this crucial area of the game, closely monitoring practices and meetings. To further enhance the unit’s performance, the Trojans have appointed Mike Ekeler as the new special teams coordinator. Ekeler brings a wealth of experience, having spent nine seasons in similar roles at institutions including Nebraska, Tennessee, and North Texas.
During his tenure with the Volunteers, Ekeler’s unit excelled, leading the nation in both punt return yards and the percentage of punts downed inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. His track record suggests a promising future for USC’s special teams.
As the Trojans look to build on their special teams, they face the challenge of replacing key players. Veteran punter Sam Johnson and long snapper Hank Pepper have exhausted their eligibility, leaving a gap that must be filled. Fortunately, kicker Ryon Sayeri returns as a standout performer, having set a single-season record for field goals in 2025. Sayeri converted 21 out of 25 field goals and achieved a perfect record of 48 for 48 on point-after-touchdowns (PATs), while also recording 63 touchbacks on kickoffs.
New Additions and Position Battles Ahead
The Trojans have also welcomed new talent to the special teams unit. Lachlan Carrigan, a punter transferring from Memphis, and Dylan Black, a long snapper from Oregon State, are expected to contribute significantly. Carrigan’s arrival adds depth to the punting position, while Black, a stage 3 testicular cancer survivor, brings invaluable experience after serving as long snapper for the Beavers over three seasons.
With the transfer portal window recently closed, the Trojans are finalizing their roster, but competition for starting positions remains fierce. As spring practices approach, position battles are anticipated, particularly among the specialists.
Key Questions Facing USC’s Special Teams
The coaching staff has several pressing questions regarding the special teams lineup. One major concern is whether Sayeri will be the primary kicker. His potential rival, Caden Chittenden, is returning from an injury that sidelined him for the entire last season. Chittenden previously demonstrated his kicking prowess at UNLV, where he successfully converted 26 of 33 field goals, including seven of eight from 40 to 49 yards, with a long of 52 yards.
The upcoming competition may see Sayeri and Chittenden vying for the starting kicker role, or they may share responsibilities depending on the coaching strategy. Additionally, Sayeri’s dual role as both kicker and punter could lead to further adjustments in the lineup.
Another critical question is who will step in for Pepper at long snapper. Pepper’s leadership and experience were pivotal to the team’s success last season. Black is viewed as a strong candidate to fill this role, despite having faced injuries during his previous season.
As the Trojans prepare for the upcoming season, the changes within the special teams unit signal a commitment to improving performance in this essential phase of the game. Given the experience and talent on board, USC fans can anticipate an exciting spring as the team works to solidify its special teams strategy.
