Iowa speedster Kaden Wetjen adds the Jet Award to his trophy case

Iowa Football had an up-and-down 2024-2025 season en route to finishing with an overall 8-5 record. The Hawkeyes were plagued by inconsistent quarterback play and a below-average offense overall.

The Hawkeyes ranked No. 131 overall in passes per game (19.1) and passing yards per game (121.6). They also struggled to move the ball in the passing game, averaging only 6.4 yards per pass (ranked No. 116 overall.

The lone bright spot for the Iowa offense was the workhorse running back, Kaleb Johnson. Johnson was named a consensus All-American after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns last season.

Another bright spot for the Hawkeyes came in the return game. Iowa speedster Kaden Wetjen was dynamic on kick and punt returns and was recognized for his achievements.

Wetjen was named the Jet Award recipient during the 14th-annual Jet Awards Gala in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Jet Award is named after Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, who played for the University of Nebraska in the 1970s. The award was founded in 2011 and is presented to the best return specialist in the nation.

Wetjen began his career at Iowa Western Community College (2021-2022) before transferring to Iowa. The Williamsburg, Iowa native has been buried on the depth chart since arriving in 2022, but has carved out a role as a return specialist.

During his sophomore season (2023-2024), Wetjen played in all 14 games and returned 14 kicks for 335 yards (23.9 average). The 23.9-yard average ranked fourth in the Big Ten.

His best statistical season came during his junior year (2024-2025). Wetjen played in all 13 games, returning 26 punts for 328 yards and one touchdown, and 26 kicks for 727 yards and one touchdown.

Wetjen is returning to the Hawkeyes for the 2025-2026 season and will aim to continue his dominance in the kick and punt-returning game.