Arkansas wide receiver and return specialist Kam Shanks has been named a First-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News, the publication announced Wednesday. The recognition comes at the punt returner position, where Shanks has quickly earned a national reputation for his explosive playmaking.
Shanks, a transfer from UAB, joins the Razorbacks after a breakout redshirt freshman season in 2024. The Prattville, Alabama native led the nation in punt return yards (329), punt return average (20.6), and punt return touchdowns (2), earning a spot as a Jet Award finalist—an honor given to college football’s top return specialist.
In addition to his success in the return game, Shanks showed his versatility as a receiver. He posted two 100-yard receiving games last season, including a nine-catch, 119-yard performance against Army on October 12 and a career-high 153 receiving yards with three touchdowns versus Tulsa on November 2.
Shanks’ preseason accolades continue to mount ahead of the 2025 campaign. He has already been named to the watch lists for both the Jet Award and the Paul Hornung Award, which recognizes the nation’s most versatile player. He was also selected as a First-Team Preseason All-SEC punt returner by Phil Steele.
Head Coach Sam Pittman and the Razorbacks began fall camp last week, marking the start of 25 practices leading into the season opener. Arkansas will kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, against Alabama A&M. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, with coverage on SEC Network.
