Shanks Named to 2025 Jet Award Watch List

Hunter Corneliusen August 1, 2025

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas wide receiver and return specialist Kam Shanks has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Jet Award, the Jet Award Foundation announced Friday.

Now in its 15th year, the Jet Award honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football.

Shanks arrives in Fayetteville after spending his first two seasons at UAB. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, the Prattville, Ala., native was the most electrifying punt returner in the nation. Shanks led all FBS players in punt return yards (329), punt return average (20.6), and punt return touchdowns (2) while being named a finalist for the Jet Award, which honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football. In addition to serving as a return man, Shanks turned in two 100-yard receiving games, including a nine-catch, 119-yard receiving performance at Army (Oct. 12) and a career-high 153 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Tulsa (Nov. 2).

The award, named in honor of Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, will culminate with the presentation at the Jet Award Gala on April 2, 2026, at Steelhouse Omaha.

The preseason watch list features standout players from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional abilities in the return game. The winner of the 2025 Jet Award will be selected by a distinguished panel of voters, including media members from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), former winners of the Jet Award, and two of our founders, Johnny Rodgers and William Reed.

Former Razorback standout Joe Adams won the inaugural Jet Award in 2011 after leading the country with four punt returns for touchdowns while registering 316 yards on 19 returns.

Arkansas opened fall camp this morning. The Razorbacks kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome Alabama A&M to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a 3:15 p.m. matchup on SEC Network.

For Arkansas football ticket information, call the Razorback Ticket Center at 479.575.5151 or click here.