Punt-Return Touchdowns Mark College Football Openers

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.