From Colorado Castaway to Sun Devil Stardom

Tyson’s career began in 2022 where the “Coach Prime Project” was yet to take place in Boulder. The 1-11 Colorado Buffalos were ranked 127th of 131 in points per game. In an otherwise quiet season, he hauled in 10 passes in the last 2 games, netting 252 yards and 2 TDs. Even on the 1-11 Buffaloes squad, the sky was already the limit for Jordan Tyson. As a true freshman, he joined Paul Richardson (2010) as only the second true freshman to have two 100 yard games. In a season with little positives to go off of, Jordyn Tyson was their diamond in the rough. The star potential was noticeable.

During a late season game against Oregon, Tyson went down with an injury. A torn ACL and MCL that caused him to miss most of the next season. During the offseason, Deion Sanders would come to town ushering in a new era of Colorado Buffaloes football. One columnist said that “it wasn’t Deion Sanders who would save Colorado football, it’s going to be Jordyn Tyson who will.” The era wouldn’t feature Jordyn Tyson in a Colorado jersey however. He would don one in maroon and gold.

Arizona State isn’t really known for elite wide receivers. Brandon Aiyuk was their most notable one, drafted by the 49ers 25th overall in 2020. N’Keal Harry was a highly touted draft prospect, but his career didn’t pan out as he didn’t register a single touchdown and never cracked over 1000 career receiving yards. Aside from some top 16 picks in the 70s, the wide receiver position was never a highlighted position for the Sun Devils. And then Jordyn Tyson came to play.

Photo by Thomas Guzman

In a season we all remember fondly, the doubters were silenced. The Sun Devils were reborn. The offense went from one of the bottom feeders of the nation, to one that had even the best defenses on their toes. In his first 13 games as a Sun Devil, Tyson exploded onto the scene. 1101 yards on 75 receptions and 10 touchdowns to his name, all before a broken collarbone sidelined him for the rest of the season, even having him miss the Big 12 championship against Iowa State and the Peach Bowl against Texas.

Jordyn Tyson’s production left a hole in the offense. Without their prized pass catcher, Leavitt had to lean on Melquan Stovall and Xavier Guillory, both of which were good in their own right, but couldn’t come close to the numbers Jordyn Tyson. His assets and skills could greatly contribute to a team picked in the top 15 in the next NFL draft.

Yes, it is wayyyy too early to be looking at where Jordyn Tyson could be a great fit. We have a sample size of 2 games. Las Vegas Raiders lack a primary #1 receiver. The Miami Dolphins are in a drama-filled case study with Tyreek Hill. These are only conclusions we can come to after a small sample size. Jordyn Tyson’s talent will, in one way or another, benefit any team he goes to in this upcoming draft.