Michigan secures UNLV's punting ace, Cameron Brown, to flip field position and bolster special teams' dominance in the upcoming season.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — In a move designed to shore up one of the few glaring weaknesses from their 2025 campaign, the Michigan Wolverines have officially secured a commitment from UNLV punter Cameron Brown. The news, which broke late Wednesday night, marks the second major special teams acquisition for Michigan this week, following the addition of Pitt long-snapper Nico Crawford.
Brown, an Australian-born specialist from Coollangatta, Queensland, joins the Maize and Blue with three years of eligibility remaining. His arrival comes at a critical juncture for a Michigan program that, while finishing 9–4 and ranked No. 18 in the nation last season, struggled significantly with field position battles.
Flipping the Field: Why Brown is the Answer
The 2025 season was a statistical anomaly for Michigan’s usually stout special teams. The Wolverines ranked 96th nationally in net punting yards, a figure that often left the defense defending short fields against high-powered Big Ten offenses. The incumbent, Hudson Hollenbeck, averaged 43.0 yards per punt but managed only 11 pins inside the 20-yard line on 41 attempts.
In contrast, Brown’s freshman year at UNLV was a masterclass in precision and consistency. As one of only 14 true freshmen in the FBS to attempt more than 40 punts, Brown didn't just survive, he excelled.
Cameron Brown: 2025 Statistical Breakdown | | Total Punts | 47 | | Average Distance | 43.2 yards | | Net Punting Average | 40.6 yards (Ranked 43rd in FBS) | | Inside the 20-yard line | 19 | | Longest Punt | 71 yards |
Brown’s "Aussie-style" technique allows for higher hang times and more directional control, a trait that Michigan’s coaching staff, now bolstered by special teams veteran Kerry Coombs, is eager to integrate. While Brown’s average hang time was clocked at 3.60 seconds, his ability to prevent returns was elite; only two of his 47 punts resulted in returns of more than 10 yards.
The Kerry Coombs Influence
The recruitment of Brown is one of the first major splashes made under the guidance of Kerry Coombs. Known for his high energy and extensive experience at both the collegiate and NFL levels, Coombs was tasked with revitalizing a unit that felt stagnant. By identifying Brown, Coombs has secured a weapon that can neutralize explosive returners and force opposing offenses to drive 80-plus yards consistently.
The timing is also notable as Michigan transitions into a new era under head coach Kyle Whittingham. With a focus on ball control and defensive dominance, the value of a punter who can pin an opponent against their own goal line cannot be overstated.
Building the 2026 Roster
The Wolverines have been aggressive in the portal early this cycle. Beyond the specialists, the staff is expected to target depth at safety, edge rusher, and wide receiver to complement returning stars like quarterback Bryce Underwood and running back Jordan Marshall.
However, the signing of Cameron Brown sends a clear message: Michigan is returning to its roots of "winning the hidden yardage." For a team looking to jump back into the College Football Playoff conversation in 2026, the Australian from the desert might just be the most important piece of the puzzle.