Jelani Watkins makes debut on Bowerman watch list

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas sophomore sprinter Jelani Watkins made his debut on the Bowerman watch list today as one of 10 athletes selected in an update following the recent conference weekend.

Receiving votes on the Bowerman watch list is Arkansas senior Rivaldo Marshall, who produced a 1:44.15 Division I leading time in the 800m at the Arkansas Twilight and then won the SEC Outdoor title in 1:45.21.

Watkins garnered attention from a SEC 100m and 200m sweep along with finishing as the high-point scorer with 21.25 points. He becomes the 14th Razorback man to be named to the watch list in the history of the Bowerman, which debuted in 2009.

The pair of sprint victories by Watkins included record performances. He equaled the UA 100m record of 9.95 set by Jordan Anthony last year and broke the 2005 record of 19.89 set by Wallace Spearmon, Jr., in the 200m with a 19.87 victory.

For the 2026 season, Watkins ranks No. 4 on the 200m world list and equal No. 7 on the 100m world list.

Last season, Anthony also swept SEC 100m and 200m titles and finished as the high-point scorer in the conference meet with 21.5 points on his way to winning the 2025 Bowerman.

Up next for Watkins is the NCAA West First Round hosted by Arkansas next week. Watkins will enter the meet as the top seed in the 100m (9.82w) and 200m (19.87) while the Razorbacks 4 x 100m relay is seeded fourth with a 38.53.

Men’s Watch List – May 21, 2026