About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After stellar special teams play so far this season, Iowa football second-year receiver and kick returner Evan James has been named to the Jet Award Midseason List , which honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football.
James ranks 15th nationally in punt return yardage, averaging 14.7 yards on 12 returns, including a career-long 77-yard return for his first Hawkeye touchdown in a 40-0 shutout win against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5.
James is one of 36 players nationally to return at least one punt for a touchdown in 2026. James' 77-yard touchdown return is tied for the seventh-longest nationally this season.
Iowa fans have become familiar with the Jet Award over the past few years, with former Hawkeye Kaden Wetjen winning it in both 2024 and 2025.
The award honors Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers. A panel of voters, including media members from the Football Writers Association of America, former Jet Award recipients, and founders Johnny Rodgers and William Reed will select the 2026 Jet Award winner at the end of the 2026-27 season.
Iowa (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) returns to action at Minnesota (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) for the annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on FS1.
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 20 Iowa football catapults in latest USA TODAY Sports 1-138 re-rank Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 20 Iowa football's Kirk Ferentz named to Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 19 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 20 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football WR Evan James named to Jet Award Midseason List
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