Iowa receiver/return specialist Kaden Wetjen is nicknamed "the Jet" for a reason.
Not only is he the reigning Jet Award winner and was nominated for the award again this season, but he can flat-out fly on the football field.
Wetjen has been used sparingly on offense since he joined the program as a walk-on in 2023. After Tim Lester took over as the offensive coordinator before the start of last season, he has opened up the playbook, giving Wetjen a chance to be more involved on offense.
Wetjen is more known for his prowess in the return game, and for good reason.
Last season, Wetjen led the Big Ten and the nation with 1,055 combined return yards (328 punt, 727 kick), and also added two touchdowns (one punt return, one kick return).
When Wetjen gets a full head of steam, he is hard to stop, and he showcased that ability in the victory over UMass last Saturday.
Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week ➡️ @WetjenKaden pic.twitter.com/UD907ALECB
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 15, 2025
Wetjen was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week following a dynamic display in the return game last Saturday.
Wetjen notched a career-high in combined return yards with 216 (34 kick return, 182 punt return), including a 95-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter.
The 95-yard punt return for a touchdown tied an Iowa and Big Ten record for longest return for a touchdown all-time.
He also notched a career-high in all-purpose yards with 236 (216 return yards, 20 rushing yards), and added a touchdown on the ground.
After a disappointing game against Iowa State, Wetjen "had no doubt" that he and the team would respond to the adversity, and they did in a big way in the win over UMass.