Which programs have the best special teams for 2018?

Phil Steele
ESPN INSIDER

Which college football programs have the top special-teams units for 2018? Surprisingly, two Pac-12 schools rank atop the list.

Here are the rest of the top 15 special-teams units in college football.

Editor's note: This article was adapted from Phil Steele's college football preview magazine, which is available here.

1. Utah Utes

These days, no one does special teams better than the Utes, which will continue in '18. Utah brings back an All-American at both punter Mitch Wishnowsky and kicker Matt Gay. Wishnowsky had a net of 42.2 yards per punt, while Gay debuted 30-for-34 on field goals, including a program-best five beyond 50 yards.

2. Stanford Cardinal

The Cardinal's recent run of special-teams success will remain alive this fall. Punter Jake Bailey (45.4, 41.0 net), placekicker Jet Toner (21-26) and kick returner Cameron Scarlett (25.9) all received Pac-12 honors in '17. Plus, Bailey ranked second nationally in kickoff distance (64.5).

3. TCU Horned Frogs

Under Gary Patterson, the Frogs have been perennially steady on special teams. The '18 edition features stability and familiar faces. Third-year punter Adam Nunez (39.3, 30 inside the 20) is more tactician than boomer. Place-kickers Cole Bunce and Jonathan Song combined to nail 14 of 15 field goals. Return specialist KaVontae Turpin (first-team All-Big 12) is a game-changer who scored on both a punt and kick return.

4. Utah State Aggies

The Aggies soared in my special-teams rankings last year, thanks in large part to place-kicker Dominik Eberle's leg. In his first season, he hit 18 of 24 to become third-team All-American and a Lou Groza Award finalist. Also back are punter Aaron Dalton (42.0 average) and kick returner Savon Scarver (24.0, 1 touchdown).




5. Memphis Tigers

The ultra-steady Tigers special-teamers have ranked in the top 10 of my rankings for six years running. Making it seven straight requires a smooth transition at punter. Spencer Smith is gone, giving way to redshirt Adam Williams, a former Tennessee Mr. Football finalist. The gem of this group is first-team All-American kick returner Tony Pollard, who had four returns for touchdowns in '17.

6. Florida State Seminoles

Since 2010, the Noles have finished outside the top 25 of my rankings just once (2016). All-ACC place-kicker Ricky Aguayo (37-47 over two years) will do his part to further this decade's trend. Incumbent punter Logan Tyler averaged 43.2 yards, and kick returner Amir Rasul (22.8) and punt returner D.J. Matthews (11.1) are also back.

7. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes retain an honorable-mention All-Big Ten kicker, punter and kick returner, so there's a lot to like about this group entering '18. Place-kicker Sean Nuernberger is coming off his best season in Columbus, hitting 17 of 21 field goals but just 1 of 4 outside of 40 yards. Punter Drue Chrisman ranked second in the Big Ten at 44.2 yards, and Parris Campbell averaged 36.6 on his nine kickoff returns.

8. Georgia Bulldogs

The Dawgs rose to No. 2 in my special-teams rankings last year and return the part to lead the SEC again in '18. Strong-legged place-kicker Rodrigo Blankenship was 20-for-23 on field goals, including a long of 55, and 2-for-2 outside 50 yards. While punter Cameron Nizialek graduated, Georgia signed experienced punter Landon Stratton from Murray State. Mecole Hardman is a dangerous return man (25.3 average on kick returns, 11.8 on punt returns).

9. Ohio Bobcats

Heralded place-kicker Louie Zervos is the star of the MAC's premier special-teams unit. In two years, he's 44-for-53 on field goals and twice earned all-conference honors. Punter Michael Farkas averaged 40.6 with a net of 37.7, and punt returner Papi White (8.9) was named to the All-MAC second team.

10. Toledo Rockets

Everyone is back, so the Rockets are eyeing a second straight top-10 finish in my rankings. The face of the unit is first-team All-MAC place-kicker Jameson Vest, who connected on 25 of 30 field goals last season. Diontae Johnson had two return touchdowns to join Vest on the all-conference first team, but punter Bailey Flint must improve his 38.0 average.

11. Missouri Tigers

Everyone is back for a special-teams unit that could climb high in my rankings. Place-kicker Tucker McCann shook off a rocky first year to hit 15 of 17 field goals. Senior Corey Fatony is one of the game's better punters, averaging 44.3 yards with a 41.0 net. Shifty Richaud Floyd returned two punts for touchdowns last year.

12. USC Trojans

John Baxter is one of the game's top special-teams coaches, lending hope that the Trojans can improve upon last year's results. All of his regulars from a year ago return. Place-kicker Chase McGrath (12-for-17) suffered through late-season inconsistency related to a groin injury.

13. Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffaloes regrouped nicely on special teams in '17, and they plan to build off of that this season. Punter Alex Kinney was a microcosm of the turnaround, boosting his distance to a career-best 43.8 (40.0 net). First-year place-kicker James Stefanou was also instrumental by hitting 17 of 22 field goals with a long of 53 yards. Ronnie Blackmon (21.0 on kick returns and 8.0 on punt returns) is back to lead the return game.

14. North Carolina Tar Heels

The Tar Heels are here in part because of head coach Larry Fedora's special-teams track record. The unit is sparked by first-team All-ACC kick returner Anthony Ratliff-Williams, who averaged 26.3 yards and took two kicks back for touchdowns. Consistency is needed from place-kicker Freeman Jones (9-for-14), though punter Hunter Lent (44.9) showed late last season that he's ready to succeed Tom Sheldon.

15. Boise State Broncos

The Broncos are hoping to continue their special-teams rebound from a year ago when punt returner Avery Williams (11.2 average, two touchdowns) earned second-team All-Mountain West and well-traveled place-kicker Haden Hoggarth was honorable-mention All-Mountain West after going 18-for-23 on field goals. Punters Quinn Skillin and Joel Velazquez averaged a combined 40.6 yards last season.