Even though wide receiver Kaden Wetjen was never heavily involved in Iowa's passing attack, he made a big impact on the program.
Wetjen added a meager 151 receiving yards and one touchdown last season, but that is more of a statement about how below average Iowa's passing attack was than about Wetjen's talent.
He was able to showcase his speed and versatility on special teams, compiling 1,039 total return yards and four total return touchdowns.
Wetjen is one of a few Hawkeyes at the East-West Shrine Bowl, including starting quarterback Mark Gronowski, but Wetjen has been opening everyone's eyes with some of his performances at practices ahead of the game.
Wetjen has been torching defensive backs at East-West Shrine Bowl practices
Wetjen's speed and elusiveness was never in question at Iowa, and the program might be kicking themselves for not getting him more involved in the passin attack.
Iowa WR Kaden Wetjen has been cooking early on at @ShrineBowl
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) January 23, 2026
If DBs didn’t get hands on him early it was over. Constant separation. Reminds me of how Efton Chism stood out at this even last year pic.twitter.com/3nmRLoKRW8
This is one of a handful of equally stunning videos where Wetjen torched his defender on his way to making a catch.
Not only was Wetjen's speed on full display, but his pass-catching and route-running were also, as shown in the above clip.
He also had a nice touchdown grab in a practice over the weekend.
Wetjen has been one of the biggest risers leading up to the East-West Shrine Bowl game on Tuesday, January 27, as he continues to impress scouts during practices.
While you can only put so much stock in practice, Wetjen is making a case to start the game for the West team, alongside his former signal caller, Mark Gronowski.
Wetjen is rumored to be a sixth or seventh-round draft pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, but he is increasing his draft stock with his performances this past weekend.