Nebraska football adds scholarship punter, who has a familiar name

The Nebraska football team has found its punter of the future — and he is keenly aware of what it means to be a Husker.

Westminster (Md.) Winters Mills punter Kamdyn Koch, son of former Husker Sam Koch, announced his commitment to Nebraska’s 2024 recruiting class Sunday.

The scholarship addition is the ninth in NU’s 2024 class and part of an unexpected weekend for Koch. The punter had sent film and game tape to Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley in previous months, leading to an invite to one of Matt Rhule’s football camps over the weekend.

Thanks to a strong showing, Koch got what he was after — a Nebraska scholarship offer.

“Everything was going well and I was hitting balls pretty well, then somebody told me to go over to coach Rhule and he offered me a scholarship right after the camp,” Koch said. “Ever since I was young I always wanted to play at Nebraska. I knew if I got that offer I was going to take it no matter what.”

Koch made his announcement the very next day, marking a special moment for him and his dad. A former Husker standout from 2002-05, Sam Koch went on to have a 16-year NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.

Naturally, Koch learned a thing or two from working out and training with his dad. He also credits Kirk Maggio, his trainer, for helping him develop consistency within his kicks. Nebraska coaches saw that strong technique and execution and were impressed enough to extend a scholarship — a coveted prize for a specialist.

Nebraska’s current scholarship punter, Brain Buschini could return to the team again in 2024. The Huskers also took a scholarship kicker, Omaha Westside’s Tristan Alvano, in their most recent recruiting class. It’s possible Nebraska could have three scholarship specialists in a year’s time, but that investment is a sign of the NU coaching staff’s belief in Koch.

Having realized his dream of earning his spot at Nebraska, there’s one thing for Koch left to do — wait until he can prove himself.

“It means everything that they believe in me,” Koch said of the Nebraska coaching staff.” I’ve always wanted to be here and they’ve given me that chance, so I can’t wait to get to work and be the best player I can.”