In the heart of Iowa football, a new name is emerging on special teams. Freshman Braeden Jackson, a product of Ankeny Centennial, has already delivered two kickoff return touchdowns for the University of Iowa, a feat achieved by only four players nationwide this season.
Record‑setting returns
Jackson’s first long‑run came in Week 4 against Michigan, when he sprinted 99 yards for a score. He followed that with a 96‑yard return in Week 10 versus Northwestern. Both plays placed him among the elite, making him the fifth Cyclone in program history to record two kickoff return touchdowns in a single year.
Impact on Iowa’s special‑teams unit
The Hawkeyes’ kickoff return squad currently leads the nation, averaging 47 yards per return. Jackson’s personal average of 50.4 yards on five returns underscores the unit’s dominance and gives Iowa a consistent field‑position advantage.
Family pedigree and mentorship
Jackson’s success is rooted in a strong football lineage. His father, former NFL running back Fred Jackson, spent nine seasons in the league and has been a hands‑on mentor since Braeden first stepped onto a field. “I learned from him from day one,” Braeden said. “Having a dad who played at the highest level is a great resource, and I try to apply what he taught me every time I’m out there.”
Choosing Iowa over junior college
Despite receiving no scholarship offers out of high school and facing roster‑size reductions due to recent rule changes, Jackson almost pursued a junior‑college path. A last‑minute call from Iowa coach Jay Niemann in December changed that trajectory, and Jackson committed immediately, a decision the program says has paid dividends.
Looking ahead
Iowa (7‑2) prepares to host Purdue (3‑6) on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC. Fans can also catch the Big College Kickoff broadcast at 10:30 a.m. on the free Very Local app. With Jackson’s explosive playmaking and the unit’s national‑leading statistics, the Hawkeyes are poised to continue dictating field position and scoring opportunities throughout the remainder of the season.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
