The Washington Huskies' special teams unit just got a major boost for the 2026 season. After spending the entire spring camp operating with just one long snapper—junior Ryan Kean handling every punt and field goal snap—the program has secured a much-needed reinforcement.
On Thursday, the Huskies received a verbal commitment from Ben Ferber, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound specialist from IMG Academy in Florida. Originally slated to suit up for the University of Richmond this fall, the Delray Beach native will instead head to Montlake to play for head coach Jedd Fisch and special teams coordinator Chris Petrilli in 2026.
The addition fills a critical gap. Earlier this spring, both Fisch and Petrilli acknowledged the need for a second long snapper after freshman Hunter Solwold transferred to Florida. Ferber will provide both competition and depth behind Kean, ensuring the Huskies aren't one injury away from a special teams crisis.
Ferber is the fifth new face in a complete overhaul of Washington's special teams unit. He joins a wave of newcomers that includes kickers Tyler Robles (Texas State via USC), Hunter McKee (Eastern Washington), and C.J. Wallace (St. John Bosco), as well as punter Hunter Green (San Diego State). The only returning specialists from the 2025 roster are Kean and junior punter/holder Luke Dunne.
"I think the biggest thing is, kind of like with the offense and defense, you want to bring in the best available—whether it's a freshman or whether it's a transfer," Petrilli said before spring camp. "Having the roster spots available to bring in one of the best field goal kickers that was available, one of the best punters that was available... We had spots available, and we wanted to bring in the best."
Ferber is also the second 2026 signee from IMG Academy, joining three-star defensive back Ksani Jiles. With Fisch and his staff continuing to build relationships at the Florida high school football powerhouse, the Huskies are making inroads with recruits in the 2027 and 2028 classes as well.
With Ferber and the remaining five incoming freshmen from the 2026 class set to arrive in June, Washington's official roster sits at 99 players heading into Fisch's third season on Montlake. For a program that's clearly prioritizing special teams excellence, this latest addition is another piece of the puzzle.