Season Review: Special Teams in College Football
Special teams are often regarded as the “third phase” of football, overshadowed by the flashier offensive and defensive units. However, their importance cannot be understated, as games are frequently decided by the small, yet crucial, contributions made during special teams plays. In this season review, we take a comprehensive look at the special teams performances across various college football programs, highlighting standout plays, individual performances, and the crucial role special teams played in shaping outcomes throughout the season.
The Role of Special Teams in College Football
Before delving into the specifics of the season, it is essential to understand the role special teams play in modern college football. Special teams encompass all the plays that occur during kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points. While often seen as a side note to the game’s offense and defense, special teams provide a unique opportunity to impact the game in critical moments.
Key components of special teams include:
- Kickoffs and Kickoff Returns: Both teams’ abilities to execute and defend kickoffs have a direct influence on field position. A long return can flip the field, setting up an offense with favorable positioning, while a well-placed kickoff can keep the opposing team pinned deep in their own territory.
- Punt Coverage and Returns: Just like kickoffs, punt plays can shift momentum. A well-timed, high-punting kick can give a defense time to set up, while a solid return can give the offense a prime opportunity to score.
- Field Goals and Extra Points: Special teams play a direct role in scoring, with field goals and extra points being significant scoring threats in tight games. The success or failure of a field goal attempt can determine the outcome of a contest, making reliable kickers indispensable.
- Punt Block and Kickoff Block Units: These units, though not often in the spotlight, can dramatically alter the course of a game. Blocked punts or field goals can result in significant shifts in momentum and provide instant points for the team.
- Long Snapping and Holders: These seemingly mundane roles are integral to the smooth operation of special teams. Accurate long snapping and precise holding can make the difference between a made and missed field goal.
With that understanding, let’s dive into a review of the special teams performances across various programs in the 2025 college football season.
Key Special Teams Performances Across College Football
1. Alabama: A Season of Field Position Mastery
One of the most notable special teams performances of the season came from Alabama. Known for its dominance in all three phases of the game, Nick Saban’s squad continued to thrive thanks to its reliable special teams units.
Placekicker Will Reichard was exceptional throughout the season, hitting key field goals in critical moments. Reichard’s ability to connect on 50-yard attempts with accuracy and composure became a pivotal asset for the Crimson Tide’s offense, which struggled to find consistency at times. His precision on extra points and kickoffs kept the opposing offense on the back foot, ensuring that Alabama controlled field position for much of the season.
Additionally, Alabama’s punt coverage unit was stellar, with the Crimson Tide regularly pinning their opponents inside their own 20-yard line. Punter James Burnip was excellent in executing high, deep punts that gave opposing teams little room to maneuver. Alabama’s special teams often gave their defense the edge they needed, contributing directly to the team’s ability to win tight games.
2. Georgia: A Blocked Punt and Game-Changing Returns
Georgia has long been recognized for its strong defense, but in 2025, the Bulldogs’ special teams played a significant role in several key victories. One of the standout moments was a blocked punt against a ranked opponent early in the season, leading to a defensive touchdown that shifted the momentum in Georgia’s favor. This play was a testament to the aggressive nature of Georgia’s special teams unit, which took advantage of every opportunity to capitalize on the smallest of mistakes.
Kicker Jack Podlesny, who was consistent and reliable, handled extra points and field goals with precision. Podlesny’s calm demeanor in clutch situations allowed Georgia to secure victories in close contests. The Bulldogs’ ability to execute in all facets of special teams, from punt returns to coverage, made them one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
Their kickoff return unit also played a pivotal role, with Kearis Jackson and Ladd McConkey providing big returns when needed. A few explosive returns helped the offense set up in favorable field position, helping Georgia maintain control in several hard-fought battles.
3. Michigan: A Long Kickoff Return Shakes Things Up
While Michigan’s offense was the focal point of its success in 2025, the special teams unit provided several game-changing moments. One of the most significant plays of the season was a kickoff return for a touchdown in a key Big Ten matchup. The return not only gave Michigan’s offense a short field to work with but also lifted the team’s energy and momentum, leading to a decisive victory.
Michigan’s punting unit was among the nation’s best, with punter Brad Robbins consistently flipping the field. His ability to control the ball’s placement and distance helped the Wolverines consistently win the battle for field position.
Additionally, the Wolverines’ field goal unit, led by kicker Jake Moody, was reliable under pressure. Moody, known for his clutch kicks, was an essential contributor, especially in tight games where every point mattered. The special teams unit helped solidify Michigan’s reputation as one of the most balanced teams in the country.
4. Ole Miss: John Mateer Shines in Special Teams Execution
Ole Miss, known for its explosive offense, also saw special teams play an essential role in the team’s success. While quarterback John Mateer was busy leading the offense, his special teams units were providing steady contributions that kept the Rebels competitive in key matchups. Kicker Caden Davis performed well, hitting critical field goals and extra points when the offense stalled.
Punt returner Dayton Wade provided several explosive returns that flipped the field, allowing Ole Miss to start drives in advantageous positions. Ole Miss’ coverage teams were solid, ensuring that the opposing teams rarely had the chance to make big plays on special teams. In particular, the kickoff coverage unit was effective at containing returners and minimizing the opposing team’s ability to move the ball past the 25-yard line.
While not the flashiest special teams unit in the country, Ole Miss showed that solid, consistent special teams play could make a big difference in tight games. With players like Wade and Davis, the Rebels found ways to contribute in the “third phase,” helping them stay competitive in a tough SEC West.
5. LSU: The Rise of Special Teams as a Game-Changer
Perhaps the most underrated special teams unit of 2025 was that of LSU. The Tigers, who experienced a tumultuous season in terms of consistency on offense and defense, found a bright spot in their special teams. Kicker Damian Ramos emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the country, hitting multiple clutch kicks that helped secure narrow victories. Ramos, who had a strong leg, was especially reliable from long range, delivering game-winning field goals in crucial moments.
LSU’s punt coverage unit was equally impressive, with the Tigers consistently limiting opposing returners to minimal yardage. The team’s ability to execute fundamentally sound special teams plays allowed LSU to win the field-position battle and gain an advantage in the majority of their games.
6. Alabama’s and Georgia’s Rivalry Highlights Special Teams Showdown
The much-anticipated SEC Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia showcased special teams as a crucial component in one of the season’s most thrilling matchups. The game was tight from start to finish, and it was clear that both teams would need to rely on all three phases of the game to claim victory.
In the end, Georgia’s blocked punt proved to be a momentum-shifting play. The Bulldogs capitalized on the field position, scoring a touchdown that gave them a lead late in the game. Despite Alabama’s successful field goals, Georgia’s special teams execution—particularly their ability to block punts and control field position—proved to be the difference-maker.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Special Teams Season
The 2025 college football season has highlighted just how critical special teams can be in determining the outcome of games. While teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan received much of the spotlight for their special teams excellence, programs like Ole Miss and LSU also showcased the value of reliable kickers, punters, and return units.
Some key takeaways from the 2025 special teams season include:
- Field Position is Crucial: Whether through explosive returns or well-placed punts, special teams plays directly affect where offenses start their drives. Teams that excelled in this phase often gained an advantage in terms of offensive efficiency.
- Clutch Kicking is Essential: Placekickers like Jake Moody (Michigan) and Will Reichard (Alabama) demonstrated just how critical the kicking game can be in determining a game’s outcome. Clutch field goals were often the deciding factor in tight matchups.
- Punt and Kickoff Coverage Matters: Teams that excelled in limiting return yardage gave their defenses a clear advantage. A strong coverage unit can prevent explosive plays, forcing offenses to drive long distances for scores.
- Big Plays on Special Teams: Whether it’s a blocked punt, a kickoff return for a touchdown, or a well-timed field goal, special teams have the ability to change the trajectory of a game. Teams that capitalize on these opportunities often come away victorious.
Conclusion: Special Teams Remains a Decisive Factor
The 2025 college football season reinforced the importance of special teams in determining the outcome of games. While offense and defense dominate the conversation, the third phase—special teams—proved time and time again to be a deciding factor. From field goals to punts to kickoff returns, the teams that excelled on special teams were often the ones left standing at the end of the season.
As we look ahead to the future of college football, it’s clear that special teams will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping championships. Teams that invest in their special teams units will be the ones that consistently find success, providing a well-rounded approach to the game. Whether it’s a clutch field goal, a game-changing punt return, or a key blocked kick, special teams will remain a critical aspect of college football for years to come.
