Cameron Pettaway

AMES — Iowa State redshirt sophomore Cameron Pettaway has been named to the Jet Award Preseason Watch List, awarded annually to college football’s top return specialist.

Pettaway, a transfer running back from Bowling Green, was first-team all-Mid-American Conference as a kick returner after leading the nation and breaking the school record with a 33.0 kick return average in 2025.

The Farmington Hills, Mich., native had 396 kickoff return yards on 12 returns, including a 98-yard return for a touchdown on his first career kickoff return against Lafayette.

Pettaway was an FWAA Freshman All-American and the MAC Freshman of the Year. As a running back, Pettaway was a true dual threat, rushing for 365 yards on 72 attempts and making eight receptions for 139 yards.