Washington Football Adds Ex-IMG Academy Specialist to 2026 Roster
Throughout spring camp in April the Washington football program went through every practice with only one long snapper to handle every punt and kick.
Washington Huskies long snapper Ryan Kean will not have to handle every field goal and punt snap for the 2026 season. On Thursday, the Huskies landed a verbal commitment from Ben Ferber, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound specialist who prepped at IMG Academy and was expected to suit up for the University of Richmond this fall. Instead, the Delray Beach, Florida native will play for UW coach Jedd Fisch and special teams coordinator Chris Petrilli in 2026.
Both Fisch and Petrilli stated this spring that the staff was seeking a second long snapper to back up Kean after freshman Hunter Solwold left for Florida in the transfer portal. Ferber completes an overhaul of the Huskies’ special teams unit from last season as the fifth new player to join the program and the second true freshman to enroll after ex-St. John Bosco kicker C.
J. Wallace joined the team back in January. COMMITTED!!
Thank you @CoachPetrilli and @IcemanCoaching for the amazing opportunity to play football at @UW_Football . I also want to thank @ParksCochrane , @CoachBigelowIMG , my trainers, teammates, family, and friends that have supported me along the way! Go Huskies ☔️☔️!!!