LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV senior wide receiver Jacob De Jesus on Wednesday was named preseason Second Team All-America at kick returner by ESPN.

De Jesus was earlier named to the Hornung Award and Jet Award preseason watch lists, is the 2024 Preseason Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year, and was voted First Team All-MW at both kick returner and punt returner. A 2023 First Team all-league pick at both return spots, De Jesus led the nation in total return yards with 1,079. The only player to rank in the top 15 nationally in both kick returns and punt returns was a finalist for the Jet Award and named Second Team All-America by USA TODAY.

The wide receiver, who also caught 60 passes as a junior, was earlier tabbed a 2024 Preseason Second Team All-American by Phil Steele and Third Team by Athlon Sports. He was just the second Rebel to earn preseason player of the year on special teams, joining kicker Sergio Aguayo in 2006.

Under the direction of 2023 Mountain West Coach of the Year Barry Odom, De Jesus and the Rebels will kick off their 57th season of football on August 31 by heading to Big 12 Conference member Houston at 4 p.m. PT on FS1 in the first of a school-record 11 national TV games. The home opener comes one week later when Utah Tech comes to Allegiant Stadium for a noon kickoff on September 7.

Season tickets, three-game mini-plans and single-game tickets for the six-game 2024 home schedule are available now by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS (3267). For information on VIP premium club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Premium Sales office at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 895-0292.