Michigan State University Athletics
All-American Jayden Reed Returning to Michigan State for Senior Season in 2022
1/4/2022 6:10:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Spartan wide receiver Jayden Reed, who earned first-team All-America honors as an all-purpose player by the American Football Coaches Association, announced on Tuesday afternoon he will be returning for his senior season at Michigan State in 2022.
Reed led the Spartans with 59 catches for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2021 while helping MSU to an 11-2 record and a New Year's Six bowl victory over No. 12 Pittsburgh in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He also ranked first in the Big Ten in punt returns (19.8 avg.; 12 returns for 238 yards) and tied for the FBS lead with two punt returns for touchdowns (62 yards vs. Nebraska, 88 yards vs. Western Kentucky).
Named one of five finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, Reed was selected the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Offensive MVP after hauling in six passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Pitt, including the go-ahead score from 22 yards out with 2:51 left in the game.
Reed made the announcement on his Twitter account, @JaydenReed5.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me to live out my dream and play at a university like this," wrote Reed. "I also want to thank my mom, dad (may he rest in peace), family and friends for getting me to this point today. Thank you Coach Dantonio and Coach Tucker for allowing me to play for this university as well. Thank you Spartan Nation for being the best fan base in the nation. A huge contribution to an undefeated season in the Woodshed!!! You guys have been unbelievable this year with all of the relentless support and dedicated appearances this year! This was a year that I will never forget.
"Since I was a child I've been dreaming of playing in the NFL and I am one step closer to my goal. After long talks with God, my family, coaches, and friends I've come to a final decision to return to Michigan State and use my last year of eligibility. We have unfinished business to take care of.
"See you in 2022!"
Reed, who was named a Freshman All-American at Western Michigan in 2018 before transferring to MSU and sitting out the 2019 season, has played in 33 collegiate games, including 20 consecutive starts for the Spartans. He has 148 catches for 2,230 yards and 21 TD catches in his career, with 92 receptions, 1,433 yards and 13 TDs in his last two seasons in East Lansing. Reed's 18.0-yard career punt return average ranks second most among active players in the FBS, including three returned for scores.
In 2021, Reed ranked among the single-season leaders in MSU history for receiving yards (No. 9 with 1,026) and touchdown receptions (No. 6 with 10). He was the first Spartan to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Big Ten Receiver of the Year Aaron Burbridge in 2015.
A first-team All-Big Ten choice by The Associated Press as an all-purpose player, Reed ranked among the Big Ten and FBS leaders in all-purpose yards (second in Big Ten and 19th in FBS, 128.8 ypg), yards per catch (second and 34th, 17.4 avg.), touchdown catches (fourth and 21st with 10) and receiving yards (fifth and 40th with 78.9 ypg). His 18.0 yards per play ranked tied for seventh most in the FBS (1,026 receiving yards, 376 kick return, 238 punt return, 34 rushing for a total of 1,674 yards on 93 total plays).
He also tied for the FBS lead with two punt returns for touchdowns (62 yards vs. Nebraska, 88 yards vs. Western Kentucky). Although he doesn't qualify due to a statistic minimum in the NCAA stats (1.2 returns per game), Reed would rank first in the nation in punt returns with his 19.8 average, but he is still the first Spartan to lead the Big Ten in punt returns since Keshawn Martin in 2010. Reed also ranked fourth in the Big Ten in kick returns (23.5 avg.) and second in the Big Ten and 23rd in the FBS in combined returns (614 yards).
Reed scored a total of 13 touchdowns in 2021 (10 receiving, two punt return, one rushing), good for fourth most in the Big Ten, and led Michigan State with 32 plays of 20-plus yards (20 passing, 9 kick return, 3 punt return), including 10 touchdowns of 20-plus yards: 88-yard punt return vs. Western Kentucky (fourth-longest punt return in school history); 85-yard pass vs. Youngstown State; 75-yard pass vs. Youngstown State; 62-yard punt return vs. Nebraska; 46-yard pass vs. Western Kentucky; 35-yard pass vs. Nebraska; 29-yard pass vs. Maryland; 28-yard pass vs. Pittsburgh; 22-yard pass vs. Pittsburgh; 20-yard pass vs. Penn State.
Reed left the Ohio State game on Nov. 20 in the first half with an injury and did not play in the second half against the Buckeyes, but the next week against Penn State in a steady snow the whole game, Reed came through in the clutch with six catches for 89 yards to help lead MSU to a win over the Nittany Lions and seal a New Year's Six berth. With MSU up 23-20 late in the fourth quarter, the Spartans faced a fourth-and-15 from the PSU 20-yard line. Reed went up and grabbed a 20-yard TD catch on fourth down, putting MSU on top 30-20 in the eventual 30-27 win.
Reed was recognized on the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for the fourth time of the season for his performance in the 40-21 win over Maryland on Nov. 13. He led all players in the game with 210 all-purpose yards, including eight catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns (29 yards in first quarter; 3 yards in third quarter). It marked Reed's eighth career 100-yard receiving game (four at Western Michigan in 2018; one at MSU in 2020; three at MSU in 2021). Reed also had four returns for 96 yards, including a game-long 39-yarder on the last play of the first quarter.
On Oct. 30, with MSU trailing Michigan, 30-14, and less than five minutes left in the third quarter, the Spartans faced a fourth-and-4 from the UM 29. Reed caught a 28-yard pass at the 1-yard line, setting up Kenneth Walker's 1-yard TD, sparking MSU's 37-33 comeback win over the Wolverines. Reed also caught a 2-point conversion that tied the game at 30 against Michigan. Reed had six catches for 80 yards in the game.
Reed was listed on the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for the third time after collecting a career-high 285 all-purpose yards (127 receiving, 88 punt return, 63 kick return, 7 rushing), the seventh-most single-game total in school history, in the win over Western Kentucky on Oct. 2. Reed scored the first time he touched the ball against the Hilltoppers with an 88-yard punt return, marking his second consecutive punt return for a touchdown (62 yards vs. Nebraska in fourth quarter). He also had his second 100-yard receiving effort of the season with four catches for 127 yards vs. WKU, including a 46-yard TD in the first quarter.
With MSU trailing 20-13 to Nebraska late in the fourth quarter on Sept. 25, Reed returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown to tie the game with 3:47 remaining, setting the stage for an overtime win over the Huskers. It marked MSU's first punt return for a touchdown since Nov. 26, 2011 (Keshawn Martin 57 yards at Northwestern). Reed finished the game with 192 all-purpose yards (69 kick return, 62 punt return, 59 receiving, 2 rushing). His 41-yard kick return in the second quarter set up an MSU field goal. He also hauled in four passes for 59 yards, including a 35-yard TD catch from Payton Thorne in the second quarter. For his effort against the Huskers, Reed was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week and made the Paul Hornung Honor Roll for the second time.
In Week 2, Reed caught four passes for a career-high 181 yards against Youngstown State; two of those catches came for 160 yards in the first half alone (75 yard TD on first play of the game; 85 yard TD in second quarter). He also tallied 264 all-purpose yards (181 receiving, 32 kick return, 48 punt return) against YSU.
During his redshirt sophomore season at MSU in 2020, Reed led the Spartans with 33 catches and ranked second with 407 receiving yards. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media as a returner and led the team and ranked eighth in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (109.6 ypg; 767 total).
As a true freshman at Western Michigan in 2018, Reed was named a FWAA Freshman All-American after tallying 56 receptions for 797 yards and eight TDs. He also collected 1,119 all-purpose yards for the Broncos (93.3 ypg).
Reed graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor's degree in communication in December.
Michigan State is scheduled to open the 2022 season against Western Michigan on Sept. 3 in Spartan Stadium.
Reed led the Spartans with 59 catches for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt junior in 2021 while helping MSU to an 11-2 record and a New Year's Six bowl victory over No. 12 Pittsburgh in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He also ranked first in the Big Ten in punt returns (19.8 avg.; 12 returns for 238 yards) and tied for the FBS lead with two punt returns for touchdowns (62 yards vs. Nebraska, 88 yards vs. Western Kentucky).
Named one of five finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, Reed was selected the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Offensive MVP after hauling in six passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Pitt, including the go-ahead score from 22 yards out with 2:51 left in the game.
Reed made the announcement on his Twitter account, @JaydenReed5.
Let go and let GOD.🙏🏾💚 pic.twitter.com/LunDw5BNtf
— j.reed1💂🏾 (@JaydenReed5) January 4, 2022
"First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me to live out my dream and play at a university like this," wrote Reed. "I also want to thank my mom, dad (may he rest in peace), family and friends for getting me to this point today. Thank you Coach Dantonio and Coach Tucker for allowing me to play for this university as well. Thank you Spartan Nation for being the best fan base in the nation. A huge contribution to an undefeated season in the Woodshed!!! You guys have been unbelievable this year with all of the relentless support and dedicated appearances this year! This was a year that I will never forget.
"Since I was a child I've been dreaming of playing in the NFL and I am one step closer to my goal. After long talks with God, my family, coaches, and friends I've come to a final decision to return to Michigan State and use my last year of eligibility. We have unfinished business to take care of.
"See you in 2022!"
Reed, who was named a Freshman All-American at Western Michigan in 2018 before transferring to MSU and sitting out the 2019 season, has played in 33 collegiate games, including 20 consecutive starts for the Spartans. He has 148 catches for 2,230 yards and 21 TD catches in his career, with 92 receptions, 1,433 yards and 13 TDs in his last two seasons in East Lansing. Reed's 18.0-yard career punt return average ranks second most among active players in the FBS, including three returned for scores.
In 2021, Reed ranked among the single-season leaders in MSU history for receiving yards (No. 9 with 1,026) and touchdown receptions (No. 6 with 10). He was the first Spartan to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Big Ten Receiver of the Year Aaron Burbridge in 2015.
A first-team All-Big Ten choice by The Associated Press as an all-purpose player, Reed ranked among the Big Ten and FBS leaders in all-purpose yards (second in Big Ten and 19th in FBS, 128.8 ypg), yards per catch (second and 34th, 17.4 avg.), touchdown catches (fourth and 21st with 10) and receiving yards (fifth and 40th with 78.9 ypg). His 18.0 yards per play ranked tied for seventh most in the FBS (1,026 receiving yards, 376 kick return, 238 punt return, 34 rushing for a total of 1,674 yards on 93 total plays).
He also tied for the FBS lead with two punt returns for touchdowns (62 yards vs. Nebraska, 88 yards vs. Western Kentucky). Although he doesn't qualify due to a statistic minimum in the NCAA stats (1.2 returns per game), Reed would rank first in the nation in punt returns with his 19.8 average, but he is still the first Spartan to lead the Big Ten in punt returns since Keshawn Martin in 2010. Reed also ranked fourth in the Big Ten in kick returns (23.5 avg.) and second in the Big Ten and 23rd in the FBS in combined returns (614 yards).
Reed scored a total of 13 touchdowns in 2021 (10 receiving, two punt return, one rushing), good for fourth most in the Big Ten, and led Michigan State with 32 plays of 20-plus yards (20 passing, 9 kick return, 3 punt return), including 10 touchdowns of 20-plus yards: 88-yard punt return vs. Western Kentucky (fourth-longest punt return in school history); 85-yard pass vs. Youngstown State; 75-yard pass vs. Youngstown State; 62-yard punt return vs. Nebraska; 46-yard pass vs. Western Kentucky; 35-yard pass vs. Nebraska; 29-yard pass vs. Maryland; 28-yard pass vs. Pittsburgh; 22-yard pass vs. Pittsburgh; 20-yard pass vs. Penn State.
Reed left the Ohio State game on Nov. 20 in the first half with an injury and did not play in the second half against the Buckeyes, but the next week against Penn State in a steady snow the whole game, Reed came through in the clutch with six catches for 89 yards to help lead MSU to a win over the Nittany Lions and seal a New Year's Six berth. With MSU up 23-20 late in the fourth quarter, the Spartans faced a fourth-and-15 from the PSU 20-yard line. Reed went up and grabbed a 20-yard TD catch on fourth down, putting MSU on top 30-20 in the eventual 30-27 win.
Reed was recognized on the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for the fourth time of the season for his performance in the 40-21 win over Maryland on Nov. 13. He led all players in the game with 210 all-purpose yards, including eight catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns (29 yards in first quarter; 3 yards in third quarter). It marked Reed's eighth career 100-yard receiving game (four at Western Michigan in 2018; one at MSU in 2020; three at MSU in 2021). Reed also had four returns for 96 yards, including a game-long 39-yarder on the last play of the first quarter.
On Oct. 30, with MSU trailing Michigan, 30-14, and less than five minutes left in the third quarter, the Spartans faced a fourth-and-4 from the UM 29. Reed caught a 28-yard pass at the 1-yard line, setting up Kenneth Walker's 1-yard TD, sparking MSU's 37-33 comeback win over the Wolverines. Reed also caught a 2-point conversion that tied the game at 30 against Michigan. Reed had six catches for 80 yards in the game.
God 🙏🏾💚 pic.twitter.com/5U3MeGyBQV
— j.reed1💂🏾 (@JaydenReed5) January 4, 2022
Reed was listed on the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for the third time after collecting a career-high 285 all-purpose yards (127 receiving, 88 punt return, 63 kick return, 7 rushing), the seventh-most single-game total in school history, in the win over Western Kentucky on Oct. 2. Reed scored the first time he touched the ball against the Hilltoppers with an 88-yard punt return, marking his second consecutive punt return for a touchdown (62 yards vs. Nebraska in fourth quarter). He also had his second 100-yard receiving effort of the season with four catches for 127 yards vs. WKU, including a 46-yard TD in the first quarter.
With MSU trailing 20-13 to Nebraska late in the fourth quarter on Sept. 25, Reed returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown to tie the game with 3:47 remaining, setting the stage for an overtime win over the Huskers. It marked MSU's first punt return for a touchdown since Nov. 26, 2011 (Keshawn Martin 57 yards at Northwestern). Reed finished the game with 192 all-purpose yards (69 kick return, 62 punt return, 59 receiving, 2 rushing). His 41-yard kick return in the second quarter set up an MSU field goal. He also hauled in four passes for 59 yards, including a 35-yard TD catch from Payton Thorne in the second quarter. For his effort against the Huskers, Reed was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week and made the Paul Hornung Honor Roll for the second time.
In Week 2, Reed caught four passes for a career-high 181 yards against Youngstown State; two of those catches came for 160 yards in the first half alone (75 yard TD on first play of the game; 85 yard TD in second quarter). He also tallied 264 all-purpose yards (181 receiving, 32 kick return, 48 punt return) against YSU.
During his redshirt sophomore season at MSU in 2020, Reed led the Spartans with 33 catches and ranked second with 407 receiving yards. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media as a returner and led the team and ranked eighth in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards (109.6 ypg; 767 total).
As a true freshman at Western Michigan in 2018, Reed was named a FWAA Freshman All-American after tallying 56 receptions for 797 yards and eight TDs. He also collected 1,119 all-purpose yards for the Broncos (93.3 ypg).
Reed graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor's degree in communication in December.
Michigan State is scheduled to open the 2022 season against Western Michigan on Sept. 3 in Spartan Stadium.
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