Johnson Named to 2025 Jet Award Preseason Watch List
8/1/2025 10:56:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH— Wide receiver and return specialist Kenny Johnson has been named to the 2025 Jet Award Preseason Watch List, the Jet Award Foundation announced Friday. The prestigious honor recognizes the most outstanding return specialist in college football.
Now in its 15th year, the Jet Award, named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, celebrates the nation's most electrifying talents in the return game. The 2025 winner will be announced at the Jet Award Gala on April 2, 2026.
Johnson made an immediate impact as a returner for the Panthers in 2024, leading the ACC with a combined 524 kick return yards. He averaged 20.9 yards per kickoff return and 6.5 yards per punt return, showcasing his speed, vision, and game-changing potential every time he touched the ball.
The Jet Award winner is selected by a panel of Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) members, former award winners, and Jet Award co-founders Johnny Rodgers and William Reed.
"This year's preseason watch list is stacked with game-breaking talent," Rodgers said. "Get ready to witness some electrifying returns."
For more information about the Jet Award and the 2025 Gala, visit thejetaward.com.
