The Iowa football program has another explosive weapon to get the ball to. And he picked up an impressive accolade on Monday.
Second-year running back Braeden Jackson was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week following a massive special teams play against Michigan. Jackson returned a first-quarter kickoff 99 yards to the house to tie the game at 7.
BRAEDEN JACKSON HOUSE CALL IN THE BIG HOUSE! pic.twitter.com/EBQ55WtKZL
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 26, 2026
Jackson followed his blockers and turned on the jets to find the end zone. The Hawkeyes would go on to win the game, 20-19, picking up a huge victory in their pursuit of a College Football Playoff appearance.
99 reasons 🏆@BraedenJ22 ➡️ Big Ten Freshman of the Week. pic.twitter.com/YBazwSY0aJ
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 28, 2026
The Ankeny, Iowa, native finished the game
with two kick returns for 119 yards and a touchdown. He also had four carries for 13 yards. Jackson broke out last weekend against UNI, when he carried the ball 11 times for 125 yards and a touchdown. He also caught a touchdown in that game.
Jackson is the son of former NFL running back Fred Jackson. He's a walk-on at Iowa after not receiving a Division I offer out of high school. He's made the most of his opportunities in recent weeks and looks primed for a bigger role as the 2026 season progresses.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football RB Braeden Jackson named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
