CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) – Illinois senior wide receiver Hank Beatty has been named to the 15th Annual Jet Award Midseason Watch List, recognizing college football’s top return specialists. Beatty, who was also recently added to the Biletnikoff Watch List and named a Sporting News Midseason All-American, continues to impress with one of the most dynamic seasons in college football.
The Champaign-native currently ranks fifth in the nation in punt return average (18.9 yards) and 12th in total punt return yards (170), marking one of the best performances in the country. His breakout came in Illinois’ Week 1 win over Western Illinois, where he set a program record for punt return yardage with 133 yards—breaking a 102-year-old Red Grange record. Beatty also scored Illinois’ first punt return touchdown in 12 years with a 69-yard score—the longest punt return touchdown for the program in 25 years.
In addition to his return game success, Beatty has been a key playmaker for the Illinois offense. He is the only player in the nation to have scored a passing, rushing, receiving, and punt return touchdown this season. He ranks fourth nationally and second in the Big Ten in receiving yards (617), with 39 receptions in just seven games. His versatility has been vital to Illinois’ 5-2 record, against the #4 toughest schedule in college football.
Looking ahead, Beatty and the #23-ranked Fighting Illini will return to action Saturday with a road matchup at Washington in Big Ten play.
The Jet Award is named in honor of Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, a legendary return specialist. The award highlights players who have made a significant impact in the return game, inspiring future generations of athletes to reach new heights.
