The reigning Jet Award winner, Kaden Wetjen, added another accomplishment to his growing list of accolades during his time at the University of Iowa.
Wetjen was named the 2024 recipient of the Jet Award following a dynamic season as a return specialist for the Hawkeyes.
Wetjen appeared in all 13 games last season, accumulating 328 punt return yards (12.6 average) on 26 punt returns and 727 kick return yards (28.0 average) on 26 kick returns.
His 1,055 combined return yards ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten and nationally.
During the offseason, Wetjen was named to the preseason Jet Award watchlist for the second-straight season as he looks to become one of the only two-time winners of the award.
Before the start of the 2025-2026 college football season, Wetjen achieved another accolade after being rated the highest-overall return specialist in the popular EA Sports College Football 26 video game.
1,000+ return yards. Kaden Wetjen can’t be stopped.
— EASPORTSCollege (@EASPORTSCollege) August 15, 2025
Your Top 10 return men in #CFB26!
See more ratings ➡️ https://t.co/wNrg4zzWpm pic.twitter.com/xKLn6NY0ws
The Iowa speedster was ranked as the No. 1 overall kick returner in the popular college football video game, achieving a 99 overall rating.
After leading the nation in combined return yards, it was only natural for EA Sports to put Wetjen at the top of the rankings list.
Wetjen not only wants to play a dynamic role on special teams, but also wants a larger role on the Iowa offense.
He has been used sparingly on the Iowa offense, but in year two under offensive coordinator Tim Lester, the Hawkeyes have the opportunity to open up the playbook.
Iowa can open up the playbook due to veteran signal-caller and South Dakota State transfer Mark Gronowski lining up under center.
Gronowski is a true dual-threat quarterback and gives the Iowa offense a dimension that it does not usually have.
Gronowski's ability also gives a speedy receiver like Wetjen a chance to earn more playing time as an option on quick passes, screens, and jet sweeps.
Wetjen and the Iowa Hawkeyes begin the 2025 season against UAlbany on Saturday, August 30, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.