Ryan Short returns to Butler as the program's primary placekicker and punter in 2025. The redshirt-junior handled both duties in 2024 and performed at a high level.
 
"The specialist group is working hard to get a little bit better every day and establish consistency with performance," Special Teams Coordinator Joe Cheshire said. "We are placing a huge emphasis on execution in any situation during training camp." 
 
Short shined during his sophomore season, going 11-for-14 on field goal attempts while averaging 38.1 yards per punt. He was 10-of-11 on field goal attempts inside 40 yards and drilled a season-long 41-yarder at Valpo. 34 extra points helped Short end the 2024 year with 67 points.
 
As a punter, Short had three punts travel 50+ yards with the furthest being recorded at 54 yards. 13 punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and only one was recorded as a touchback.
 
Backing up Short as both a placekicker and a punter will be Sam Taglia and Beck Janki. Taglia is a redshirt sophomore that played sparingly in 2024. He went 7-for-8 on extra points and missed his only field goal attempt of the year. Taglia was able to kick-off 15 times for BU. He was responsible for three touchbacks. Janki had a similar experience in his freshman season with BU. He took the field to make three extra points against Virginia Lynchburg in his only action of 2024.
 
"There is an open competition for our specialists to win their respective jobs, and each player is doing a great job pushing their teammates to be at their best when their best is needed," Cheshire added. "I am excited to watch this group in action. We have a good mix of youth and experience."
 
Long snappers on the roster include Jason Hicks and Max Thompson. Hicks was recognized by PFL coaches last year and was therefore named All-PFL honorable mention. He was also a Phil Steele All-PFL Fourth Team selection. Thompson will back up Hicks at the position. He got on the field last year vs. Virginia Lynchburg.
 
Butler will face Northern Iowa over opening weekend and will be back at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl the following weekend for the home opener against Truman State on Sept. 6.