Javon Tracy returns punt for touchdown in Gophers game against Eastern Illinois
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 12:48 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Minnesota wide receiver Javon Tracy returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown during the team's game against Eastern Illinois on Thursday night. The play marked Minnesota’s first punt return touchdown since 2018 and the first of Tracy’s collegiate career. The scoring play occurred on the second punt attempt by Eastern Illinois. The Gophers have struggled with special teams production under head coach P.J. Fleck, but the performance signals an early impact from new special teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato. Da Prato joined the Minnesota coaching staff during the offseason following his tenure at New Mexico. The touchdown serves as a notable highlight for the unit during the game.
- •Javon Tracy returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown against Eastern Illinois.
- •The touchdown was the first of its kind for Minnesota since 2018.
- •Daniel Da Prato is serving his first season as the Gophers special teams coordinator.
- •This was the first punt return touchdown of Tracy's college career.
- 12:48 AMYahoo Sports — Watch: Javon Tracy returns Gophers’ first punt for TD since 2018
"Minnesota's new special teams coordinator, Daniel Da Prato, had a red-hot start to his Gophers' tenure.
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