Vernell Brown III Named to the Jet Award Midseason Watch list
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Football
The Jet Award honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sophomore Vernell Brown III has been named to the 18-man Jet Award midseason watch list, the Jet Award Foundation announced Wednesday morning.
After Brown earned All-SEC Freshman Honors at return specialist, alongside wide receiver and all-purpose, last season third-team preseason All-SEC Return Specialist before this season, he has returned five punts for 189 yards (37.8 average) while serving as the primary Gators punt returner.
Browns top performance came against Campbell where he returned four punts for 173 yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdowns came on back-to-back punts and he became the second player in UF history to return two touchdowns in the same game, joining Jacquez Green who did it against Kentucky in 1996 and also on back-to-back punts. This effort earned him the SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 14.
The Gators return to action on Oct. 17 when they head to Austin to take on No. 7 Texas on 12 p.m. ET on ABC.
About the Jet Award Foundation
The Jet Award Foundation raises money to provide scholarships to students majoring in the trades at Metro Community College and Iowa Western Community College. Since 2017 more than 500 students have been awarded aid. The Jet Award Foundation was established to recognize outstanding return specialists in college football. Named after Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, the award honors athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in the return game and the achievements of these athletes that inspire the next generation of football players to strive for excellence in all aspects of the game.
2026 Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets are on sale for the 2026 Florida Football season under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall. Fans can purchase single-game tickets for home contests against Oklahoma (Nov. 7), and Vanderbilt (Nov. 21).
After Brown earned All-SEC Freshman Honors at return specialist, alongside wide receiver and all-purpose, last season third-team preseason All-SEC Return Specialist before this season, he has returned five punts for 189 yards (37.8 average) while serving as the primary Gators punt returner.
Browns top performance came against Campbell where he returned four punts for 173 yards and two touchdowns. His two touchdowns came on back-to-back punts and he became the second player in UF history to return two touchdowns in the same game, joining Jacquez Green who did it against Kentucky in 1996 and also on back-to-back punts. This effort earned him the SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 14.
The Gators return to action on Oct. 17 when they head to Austin to take on No. 7 Texas on 12 p.m. ET on ABC.
About the Jet Award Foundation
The Jet Award Foundation raises money to provide scholarships to students majoring in the trades at Metro Community College and Iowa Western Community College. Since 2017 more than 500 students have been awarded aid. The Jet Award Foundation was established to recognize outstanding return specialists in college football. Named after Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, the award honors athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in the return game and the achievements of these athletes that inspire the next generation of football players to strive for excellence in all aspects of the game.
2026 Single-Game Tickets
Single-game tickets are on sale for the 2026 Florida Football season under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall. Fans can purchase single-game tickets for home contests against Oklahoma (Nov. 7), and Vanderbilt (Nov. 21).
Players Mentioned
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Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, October 13
