Da’Realyst Clark Named to Jet Award Preseason Watch List
6/15/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – Kent State football return specialist Da'Realyst Clark has been named to the Jet Award Preseason Watch List, the Jet Award Foundation announced. The award, named in honor of 1972 Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, is presented annually to the nation's top return specialist in college football.
Clark enters the 2026 season as one of the most explosive returners in the country after a 2025 campaign that established him as a household name in the return game. The Golden Flash was the MAC Special Teams Player of the Year and earned All-MAC First Team honors as a return specialist, along with HERO Sports G5 All-American Third Team recognition. Clark also appeared on the Jet Award Midseason Watch List a season ago.
His numbers backed up every accolade. Clark led the nation with two kick return touchdowns on 16 returns for 452 yards, averaging 28.3 yards per return, which was fourth in the country. Those totals included a game-winning 100-yard return against Merrimack and a game-opening 91-yarder against Massachusetts, a pair of moments that underscored the kind of home run threat Clark brings every time he steps on the field.
And that was only half the story. Clark also contributed as a receiver and passer, hauling in an 89-yard touchdown reception at Akron and completing both of his passing attempts for 39 yards and a score, including a game-winning touchdown throw against Bowling Green.
The Jet Award will move through a semifinalist list in late October, then narrow to four finalists and a winner in early December.
The Golden Flashes open the 2026 season on the road at South Carolina, on September 5, at 12:45 p.m. Eastern. Season tickets for the 2026 season are available now at KSUtix.com.
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