2024 Northwestern position reviews: Special teams

The group had its moments but was average overall.

After Northwestern’s disappointing 4-8 campaign in 2024, Inside NU will continue to look at the ‘Cats season. Today, we’re focusing on the special teams unit.

Overall Grade: C

In Paul Creighton’s first year leading Northwestern’s special teams, the unit showed flashes of promise, but expectedly had to navigate some challenges. Jack Olsen returned as the Wildcats’ starting kicker for a second season, delivering a mixed performance. While he missed a few more attempts than fans might have hoped, Olsen showcased his range by hitting a 46-yarder before suffering an injury against Indiana.

Following Olsen’s setback, punter Luke Akers stepped in as both kicker and punter. Akers performed admirably in his dual role but eventually struggled with consistency in the kicking game. This prompted Creighton and the coaching staff to have Akers focus solely on kicking, opening the door for Hunter Renner to handle punting duties. Renner was steady, averaging 43.3 yards per punt across 18 attempts.

For next season, Northwestern is bringing in the number one punting prospect in the country, Nikola “Niki” Dugandzic. The New Trier senior isn’t the typical build of a punter, standing at 6-foot-5 215 pounds. Last season, he averaged 43.7 yards per punt with a long of 66 yards. Not only is he a consistently long punter, but Dugandzic has an impressive average hang time of 4.75, which is huge for the special teams unit to get down to cover punts. Dugandzic is also a skilled kicker. Last season, he was 6-for-9 on field goals with five kicks attempted over 40 yards and a long of 51 yards. Dugandzic is reported to have a range stretching to 60 yards as well. In his last two high school seasons, he has also been a quality kickoff kicker with 55 of his 61 kicks resulting in touchbacks. Dugandzic has the opportunity to take over kicking and punting duties for Northwestern in his career and will be a huge addition to the unit.

Next season, Jack Olsen is likely to return as the team’s primary kicker, while it remains uncertain whether Luke Akers or Dugandzic will take over as punter.

The ‘Cats’ return game was a bright spot this season. Joseph Himon II served as the primary kick returner, amassing 479 yards on 20 returns, highlighted by a 96-yard effort against Washington. A.J. Henning handled punt returns, tallying 136 yards on 12 attempts with a long of 27 yards. True first-year walk-on Drew Wagner also delivered a highlight, returning a 72-yard punt for a touchdown. Northwestern’s return game was one of the bright spots for the team this season in a year that didn’t have many.

Player Grades:

Luke Akers: B

Stats: 10-for-14 field goals, 71.4%, 43 long, 11-for-11 extra points, 39 punts, 43.1 average, 58 long, NET 37.2

After limited action last season, Luke Akers stepped into a significant role for Northwestern and delivered a strong campaign. Tasked with both punting and kicking responsibilities at various points, Akers rose to the occasion in a challenging situation.

Early in the season, Akers showed marked improvement in the punting game, delivering consistent and effective punts. When Jack Olsen went down with an injury, Akers expanded his duties, stepping in as the team’s kicker and kickoff specialist.

Akers’ standout moment came against Maryland, where he earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors. In that game, he nailed all three field goal attempts, including a 43-yarder, averaged 49.2 yards per punt, and handled kickoffs with poise. It was his debut as a field goal kicker for Northwestern, and he appeared calm under pressure.

Despite the strong start, Akers faced challenges with longer field goal attempts later in the season. His struggles led David Braun to reinstate Renner as the primary punter, allowing Akers to concentrate on kicking duties.

Overall, Akers proved to be a reliable and versatile asset for the Wildcats. His performance, particularly in a transitional role, was one of the team’s few bright spots in an otherwise difficult season. Looking ahead, Akers is set to compete with incoming freshman Nikola Dugandzic for the starting punter position. Regardless of the outcome, Akers’ solid season provided a foundation for further growth.

Jack Olsen: C

Stats: 7-for-10 field goals, 70%, 46 long, 10-for-10 extra points

Jack Olsen’s grade reflects both his reliability when on the field and the limitations caused by his availability. He was solid, especially for a Northwestern kicker, but he only played in five of the 12 games. He has been a dependable kicker with a stronger leg than Northwestern fans have seen in recent years. Olsen’s best performances came in the opening two games, where he connected on two field goals in each contest. With improved health, he has the potential to deliver a strong senior season for NU.

It’s worth noting a key change in the special teams operations: long snapper Will Halkyard entered the transfer portal and committed to TCU. Northwestern responded by securing Liam Reardon, a graduate transfer from Akron, to fill the role.

Hunter Renner: C

Stats: 18 punts, 43.3 average, 56 long, NET 38.1

Renner served as the team’s holder on field goals throughout the season and took over punting duties against Iowa when Luke Akers transitioned to focus solely on kicking. He demonstrated noticeable improvement from the previous year, and although many of his punts had a lower trajectory, they often resulted in significant rollouts, effectively flipping field position.

Renner has entered the transfer portal for his senior season, likely seeking a starting role elsewhere, as Northwestern’s punting duties are expected to be handled by either Akers or Dugandzic.

The special teams unit delivered an average performance this season, with individual highlight moments. Consistency and availability, particularly in the kicking game, will be key areas to improve moving forward. The addition of Dugandzic and other roster adjustments offer hope for a more dynamic unit next year.