Welcome back to our summer tradition, counting down the best returning players in college football. This is the first in our series focusing on the Power Four conferences. Today, we feature the current king conference of college football, the Big Ten. As we always say, you may not pay attention to special teams. However, if they are struggling, you’ll certainly know. Let’s start the Big Ten’s Top Returning Specialists in 2026 with the kickers. One note: if a player transferred to the Big Ten from another conference, they don’t count for the purposes of this list. However, players transferring within the league are allowed. One thing you’ll notice is that there’s not one player who was on last year’s list.
The Big Ten’s Top Returning Specialists In 2026
Coming Through In The Clutch
3- Ryon Sayeri– USC- We begin with one of the best kickers on the West Coast. As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Sayeri nailed 21 of 25 field goals and all 48 extra points. A two-time Big Ten Special Teams player of the week, Sayeri finished 14th in the nation in scoring and 17th in field goals per game. As a result, he was a third-team All-Big Ten selection.
2- Nico Radicic– Indiana- The redshirt junior was a very important part of the National Champion Hoosiers’ attack. Playing in all 16 games, Radicic went an incredible 87 for 87 on extra points. In addition, he made 18 of 19 field goals. His 141 points led the Big Ten and were fourth in the nation. He was named first team All-Big Ten by the coaches and second team by the media. Radicic currently ranks seventh on Indiana’s all-time scoring list and could be at the top with another strong season.
1.- Sean O’Haire-Maryland- There wasn’t a whole lot to be excited about for a 4-8 Terrapins squad. However, the Ireland native was a huge bright spot. He led the Big Ten and was ninth nationally in field goals made per game. Last season, O’Haire converted on all 29 extra points and 21-24 field goals. As a result, he made first team All-Big Ten by the coaches and second team by the media.
Let’s continue with the Big Ten’s Top Returning Specialists in 2026 with the punters.
Big Game Boomers
3- Jakob Anderson– Rutgers- Playing in 11 games last season, Anderson only punted 33 times. However, he made them count as he averaged 44.2 yards. That tied him for fourth in the Big Ten. In addition, the Scarlet Knights ranked second in the league with a 41.85 net average. He forced 17 fair catches, downed 10 inside the 20, and had none blocked.
2- Tom Weston– Minnesota- The Australian native led the Big Ten in both number of punts (65) and yards (2768). Weston recorded only four touchbacks, and 18 of his punts resulted in a fair catch. Furthermore, he landed 23 punts inside the 20, and 15 of his punts were longer than 50 yards. He was named third-team All-Big Ten by the media.
1- Bryce McFerson– Maryland- As mentioned earlier, the Terrapins had issues in 2025. However, special teams wasn’t one of them. McFerson finished second in the Big Ten in both punts and yards. He also tied for fourth in the league with a 44.2-yard average per punt. That was the sixth-best mark in school history. He put 19 punts inside the 20 and 14 of over 50 yards. As a result, McFerson was named second-team All-Big Ten. He’s also our top returning punter.
We looked at the kickers and punters so far. Now, as we finish up The Big Ten’s Top Returning Specialists In 2026, let’s move to the return men.
Game Breaking Potential
3- Koi Perich– Oregon- Since he transferred within the league, Perich is allowed on our list. Not only is he an All-Big Ten defensive back, but Perich is also a great special teams player. He finished second in the league with 499 return yards and also in average per return with 26.3. In addition, he also ranked in the top ten in punt returns. Now a member of the Ducks he looks to move up the list in 2026.
2- Jacory Barney Jr. – Nebraska- Our top two return players are both Cornhuskers. Barney Jr. led the Big Ten with 22 punt returns and was third in return yards with 270. In fact, His punt return yards were the most by a Husker since the 2014 season, and his total was more than Nebraska’s team punt return total for the last four seasons combined. He also finished in the top ten in kickoff return yards. As a result, he was named third-team All-Big Ten.
1- Kenneth Williams– Nebraska- As a sophomore, Williams had 12 kickoff returns. However, he made them count, averaging a remarkable 32.9 yards per return. That included a 95-yarder against Northwestern he took to the house. His 395 yards were the most by a Cornhusker since 2017. Williams was named All-Big Ten second team by the media and third team by the coaches. Even more important, he heads our list of the Big Ten’s top return men.
Thanks for checking out the Big Ten’s top returning specialists in 2026 here at Last Word On College Football. Don’t agree with our rankings? Leave a comment below.
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