Punt-Return Touchdowns Mark College Football Openers

9 sources·Updated Sep 6, 2026

Punt returns powered several decisive college football performances in season-opening games. Minnesota’s Javon Tracy made program history by returning punts 87 and 69 yards for touchdowns in a 59-7 victory over Eastern Illinois, becoming the first Gopher to score twice on punt returns in one game. Iowa’s Evan James returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown against Northern Illinois, signaling a potential successor to departed All-American returner Kaden Wetjen. Oklahoma’s Isaiah Sategna also scored on an 87-yard punt return against UTEP, giving the Sooners their first punt-return touchdown since 2023. Tracy’s record-setting outing stood out most, as he also caught five passes for 98 yards in Minnesota’s dominant win.

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College football's Week 0 season-opening gamesstory 25 of 25 · since Aug 29, 2026

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Aug 29, 2026Sep 6, 2026

Sep 6, 2026Punt-return touchdowns highlight Week 0 openers, with Iowa's Evan James going 77 yards, Oklahoma's Isaiah Sategna 87 yards and Minnesota's Javon Tracy scoring twice.
Sep 6, 2026Georgia routs Tennessee State 63-3 behind Gunner Stockton's three touchdown passes, while Georgia State tops North Carolina A&T 59-10 in season openers.
Sep 6, 2026Syracuse opens its season with a dominant 66-3 win over New Hampshire, as quarterback Steve Angeli returns sharply from injury amid a crowded QB room.