Golden Eagles’ Ian Foster Named to Jet Award Watch List

Southern Miss safety and return specialist Ian Foster was selected as one of 16 players on the Jet Award’s Watch List. The award was made to recognize and highlight the most outstanding return specialist in college football.

Foster transferred from Marshall to Hattiesburg to join the Southern Miss Golden Eagles after the hire of former Marshall Head Coach Charles Huff. Last season as a redshirt freshman, Foster appeared in 13 games for the Thundering Herd as a reserve defensive back and return man.

Foster went on to lead the FBS in return average among qualifying players with 32.4 yards. He also led the FBS in 50+ yard kickoff returns (3) and 40+ yard kickoff returns (5). His performance overall earned him an All-Sun Belt First Team selection as a return man.

The Jet Award is now in its 15th year. The award is named after former Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny ‘The Jet’ Rodgers. Foster sits with very talented company on the watch list with names like Dylan Edwards (Kansas State), Zachariah Branch (Georgia), and Zavion Thomas (LSU), the transfer from Mississippi State.

The 2025 Jet Award winner will be voted on by member of the Football Writers Association of America, former winners of the Jet Award, and co-founders of the Jet Award Foundation Johnny Rodgers and William Reed. The recipient of the award will be announced at the Jet Award Gala which takes place on April 1, 2026.

Author administrator Kellen Walker