USM’s Foster named to Jet watchlist

(Photo from Southern Miss Athletics)

Southern Miss Athletics said Wednesday that the Jet Award Foundation has named safety and return specialist Ian Foster as one of 16 players to watch for its 2025 Player of the Year award. The award recognizes the most outstanding return specialist in college football.

Now in its 15th year, the Jet Award, named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny ‘The Jet’ Rodgers, celebrates the nation’s most electrifying talents in the return game.

According to Southern Miss, at Marshall, Foster was named All-Sun Belt First Team as a return man after leading the FBS in return average among qualifying players (32.4). The Brundidge, Ala. native had 16 kick returns for 518 yards and led the FBS in 50+-yard returns (3) and 40+-yard kickoff returns (5).