IOWA CITY — Some players just have that rare spark that makes you stop and watch, and for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kaden Wetjen is undeniably one of them. Once again, the senior wide receiver and return specialist has proven why the conference and the country can’t take their eyes off him.
On Wednesday morning, the Big Ten officially recognized Wetjen as the Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year. This isn’t the first time he’s earned the honor he also captured it last season but it is the first time in the award’s history that a player has won it back-to-back. And honestly, after watching Wetjen’s electrifying performances all season, it’s hard to argue with the selection.
Wetjen’s knack for finding the open field and turning it into scoring opportunities has been nothing short of historic. He’s tied for the most punt return touchdowns in the nation this year, sharing the top spot with South Carolina’s Vicari Swain. His third punt return touchdown came in a thrilling showdown against Michigan State, a play that not only electrified Kinnick Stadium but also helped him break the Hawkeyes’ program record previously held by the legendary Tim Dwight. Watching Wetjen dart through traffic, cutting, spinning, and accelerating past defenders, it’s easy to see why fans and analysts alike are singing his praises.
Statistically, Wetjen’s season is staggering. He returned 19 punts for 538 yards, averaging an eye-popping 28.3 yards per return. On kickoffs, he added 14 returns for 427 yards, averaging 30.5 yards. Numbers like these don’t just show talent they show game-changing impact. On any given play, Wetjen has the ability to flip field position, swing momentum, and energize the crowd, something every team dreams of having on their roster.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Wetjen’s versatility has been another highlight of his 2025 campaign. He’s the only player in Big Ten history to score three punt return touchdowns and one kickoff return touchdown in a single season. Even more remarkable, he’s the only player in the country this year to find the end zone on a rushing, receiving, punt return, and kickoff return. That’s four different ways in one season. In an era where specialization dominates football, Wetjen is redefining what it means to be a multi-dimensional playmaker.
It’s no surprise, then, that Wetjen is also a finalist for the prestigious Jet Award, which honors the nation’s top returner. Should he win, he’d become the first player in history to capture the award in consecutive seasons a fitting accolade for a player who seems to excel wherever he touches the ball.
The Hawkeyes didn’t just celebrate Wetjen’s brilliance on special teams, though. Kicker Drew Stevens earned a third-team selection for All-Big Ten Special Teams, marking the third straight season he’s received that honor. Consistency is key in Stevens’ role, and his reliability on field goals and extra points has been a quietly essential part of Iowa’s success this year. Special teams can often be overlooked, but between Wetjen’s explosive returns and Stevens’ steady kicking, Iowa has proven it’s a unit to be reckoned with.
Iowa’s football program has a proud tradition of producing standout returners, but Wetjen’s season has elevated him to legendary status within that lineage. Watching him sprint downfield, eyes scanning the defense, it’s clear that instinct, preparation, and raw talent all converge in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of play that inspires younger athletes, excites fans, and forces opposing coaches to reconsider their coverage strategies. And as the Hawkeyes continue their season, having a player like Wetjen capable of turning any moment into a highlight provides both a competitive edge and a sense of hope for what’s possible.
There’s also an intangible element to Wetjen’s performances: energy. It radiates through the team, the stadium, and the fan base. When Wetjen fields a punt, the anticipation builds, the crowd leans forward, and even casual viewers can sense that something special is about to happen. Those moments aren’t just statistics they’re shared experiences, the kind that linger long after the final whistle.
As Iowa reflects on the 2025 season, Wetjen’s accolades are more than deserved. He’s a trailblazer, a record-breaker, and a reminder that in college football, a single player can truly change the course of a game or a season. And while Wetjen’s name headlines the awards this year, Stevens and other Hawkeyes earning recognition show that Iowa’s talent runs deep, with individuals ready to step up when the moment calls.
For fans in Iowa City and beyond, it’s been a season to remember. Wetjen’s return skills have made highlight reels, drawn national attention, and reinforced the idea that greatness can sometimes come in the form of a player who’s always ready to take the ball, see the field, and make the impossible look routine. If there’s one thing certain about Kaden Wetjen, it’s that his next return will be just as electrifying, and for the Hawkeyes, that’s a thrilling thought.
