Imagine leaving everything you’ve ever known—your home, your family, and the only country you’ve ever lived in—to chase a dream halfway across the world. That’s exactly what Nebraska freshman punter Archie Wilson has done.
The 18-year-old made the long journey from Frankston South, Victoria, in Australia to join the Huskers this summer, leaving behind the comfort of his family and the football he grew up playing at Haileybury College.
The Emotional Toll of Being Away from Family
Tuesday’s press conference revealed just how tough that transition has been.
When asked about missing his loved ones, Wilson’s emotions got the better of him.
“That part is hard… I’m sorry,” he said, bending over the podium as tears came to his eyes.
He went on, voice breaking, “Yeah, I love them a lot. I have two little brothers, a mom, and a dad.
That’s the tough part about being here. I miss them, but they know this is what’s best for me.
It’s good I can still talk to them on the phone. They’re coming here to see the first few games, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
From Aussie Rules to American Football
Wilson’s journey to Nebraska began through ‘Prokick Australia,’ a program known for producing professional-level punters.
While he’s new to American football, he’s already turning heads—not just for his punting but also for his ability to kick with both feet and even throw the ball.
“That guy is special, he truly is,” Nebraska’s special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler said.
“He’s 18 years old, leaves home for the first time, goes to a different country, and leaves his family, which he’s extremely close to… His teammates love him not just because of his football skills, but for the energy he brings every day.”
A Big Debut at Arrowhead Stadium
Wilson is set to make his first-ever American football appearance when Nebraska opens its 2025 season with a night game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Among the crowd will be Travis Kelce, who played at Cincinnati before joining the Chiefs, and his brother Jason, also a former Bearcat.
“We’re gonna play at eight o’clock at night at Arrowhead with a kicker who can kick with both feet and handle every kind of kick,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said. “He’s never played in a game before.
He left his country and his family to play a sport he’s never played before. He’s one of the coolest guys around.”
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Chasing a Dream Across the Globe
Imagine leaving everything you know—your home, your family, your entire life—to chase a dream thousands of miles away.
That’s the journey Nebraska freshman punter Archie Wilson has taken.
The 18-year-old arrived in Nebraska this summer from Frankston South, Victoria, Australia, leaving behind the football he played growing up at Haileybury College.
The Heartbreak of Being Away from Family
At a recent press conference, Wilson’s emotions spilled over when asked about missing his family.
“That part is hard… I’m sorry,” he said, bending over the podium with tears welling in his eyes.
“I love them a lot,” he continued, voice breaking. “I have two little brothers, a mom, and a dad.
That’s the tough part about being here. I miss them, but they know this is what’s best for me. It’s good I can still talk to them on the phone.
They’re coming to see the first few games, so I’m really looking forward to that.”
From Aussie Rules to American Football
Wilson’s path to Nebraska came through ‘Prokick Australia,’ a program known for producing professional punters.
Already, he’s making waves for his rare ability to kick with both feet and even throw the ball.
“That guy is special, he truly is,” said Nebraska’s special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler.
“He’s 18, leaving home for the first time, going to a new country, and leaving his family, which he’s extremely close to… His teammates love him not just for what he does on the field, but for the energy he brings every day.”
Debuting Under the Lights at Arrowhead
Wilson is set to make his American football debut when Nebraska kicks off the 2025 season against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Travis Kelce, a former Bearcat, and his brother Jason, also a former player, are expected in the crowd.
“We’re playing at eight o’clock at night at Arrowhead with a kicker who can kick with both feet and handle every type of kick,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said.
“He’s never played a game before, left his country and family to play a sport he’s new to, and he’s one of the coolest guys around.”