Last Sunday, the Cornhuskers received their ninth commitment of the 2024 recruiting class when they added Kamdyn Koch to the program. As an unrated kicker prospect by both ESPN and 247Sports, the Maryland native committed immediately after receiving his scholarship offer from the Huskers. Penn State and Kansas State tried to make a run at him, but the kicker decided to stick with his father’s program. What impact does Kamdyn Koch’s commitment have on Nebraska under Ed Foley? Let’s find out.
Congratulations to rising senior Kamdyn Koch @KamdynKoch4 for his commitment to @HuskerFBNation! pic.twitter.com/jHhMQXrZR3
— Winters Mill Falcon Football (@wm_falconfball) June 14, 2023
The Impact That Kamdyn Koch’s Commitment Has on Nebraska
The Son of A Huskers Punting Great and Super Bowl Winner
If you are going to mention Kamdyn Koch’s name, then you have to mention his father Sam Koch. As a walk-on punter for the Cornhuskers under Bill Callahan, he replaced All-American Kyle Larson early in his career in 2004. In fact, his 65 punts from that season averaged around 41 yards in each of his appearances. This led Nebraska’s special teams unit to become 16th in the nation. The only downside that he experienced was that only 15 of his punts ended up as fair catches from his opponents. Because of this, his senior season in 2005 would be one of the best in Nebraska’s history. In each of his appearances, Koch averaged 46.5 yards per punt while also setting multiple career longs with his field goals. Because of this accomplishment, the Seward native would be named the best punter in the Big 12 Conference. He would also be one of the NFL’s most consistent punters throughout his career. This was capped off when he would win one Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.
Another Weapon For Ed Foley To Work With
In the 2022 season, Nebraska’s special teams considerably improved under Bill Busch’s leadership. Husker punter Brian Buschini had an average of 50 yards last season before his injury and kicker Timmy Bleekrode made 9 out of his 12 field goals last season. Now under special teams coordinator Ed Foley, Nebraska looks to improve even more depth to the unit by adding the legacy. In his junior season, he routinely pinned opponents deep into their territory. His senior season would be even better for him as he would record punts of 55, 47, and 49 yards. Based on the skills he has already learned from his father, we could see him starting right away. But it’s understandable if Matt Rhule wants him to redshirt. Nebraska native Tristan Alvano joins the roster after he played a large part in Omaha Westside’s championship run in 2022. Even more impressive? He broke the state’s single-season record for field goals with 16 and kicked a game-winner against Gretna in the state championship.
Read more about Nebraska’s special teams here: Nebraska’s Depth at Positions of Need at 2023
Sending A Message to the Rest of The Big Ten
With the additions of both Koch and Alvano, the Huskers are sending a message that they want to be one of the best units in the country. And with Buschini returning to the fold, they have the chance to do it. But can they send the message effectively? Nebraska’s special teams were ranked at the bottom of the conference in field goal percentage and seventh in punting. To fix this, NU has to set its sights on one of the top teams in the category. The Michigan Wolverines. With Jake Moody on the Wolverine’s side, Michigan improved to third in the conference with his 29 made field goals. They also ranked 1st in punting with Brad Robbin‘s 42 yards per punt average. Ohio State also dominated the special team’s conversation as well. Kicker Noah Ruggles made 17 out of 20 kicks last season for the program with Australian punter Jesse Mirco punting at a solid clip. Can the rivals reach the same heights, or will the two programs end up reloading with even better talent? If so, the arrival of Koch and other returnees may not help Nebraska reach its potential.
