Jacory Barney Jr. named top punt returner in Big Ten for 2026 season

Nebraska Cornhusker Jacory Barney Jr. has been selected by Athlon Sports as the best punt returner in the Big Ten Conference for the upcoming 2026 season. Barney earned recognition after ranking 13th nationally in punt returns, averaging 12.3 yards per return. His previous accolades include being named an All-Big Ten Third-Team Return Specialist in 2025. The special teams unit also features notable players such as kicker Nico Radicic of Indiana and punter Bryce McFerson of Maryland. Nebraska is currently ranked 10th among the 18 teams in the conference according to Athlon Sports, which also evaluated the performance of head coach Matt with a ranking of 11th among his peers.

• 9:07 AMYahoo Sports — Nebraska punt returner named best in the conference heading into 2026