Arizona State’s offensive heartbeat is headed to Sunday. After two electric seasons in Tempe, including a breakout that stunned the Big 12 and established him as one of the nation’s premier playmakers, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has officially declared for the NFL Draft.
The decision caps a remarkable rise for a former three-star recruit who transformed himself into one of college football’s most complete and productive wide receivers.
A Season of Adversity and Grit
The 2025 season brought its own challenges. Tyson battled a mid-season hamstring injury and missed some time. At the same time, Leavitt also missed significant games. Despite the setbacks, Tyson still managed to produce at a high level, posting a PFSN WR grade of 81.2, which ranked 24th nationally, showing his ability to perform even when not fully healthy.
When he returned, he became the spark that steadied ASU’s offense, helping lead the Sun Devils to eight wins and leaving a lasting impression on teammates, fans, and head coach Kenny Dillingham.
“Unbelievable player,” Dillingham said. “He’s a special, special person. I couldn’t be happier for somebody to achieve success in this game than him.”
Kenny Dillingham on Jordyn Tyson reportedly declaring for the NFL Draft:
“Unbelievable player. He’s a special special person. We spoke for 15 minutes last night just on the phone…I couldn’t be happier for somebody to achieve success in this game than him.” pic.twitter.com/1vAEKL2hAY
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) December 11, 2025
Tyson’s Breakout That Changed ASU’s Offense
Tyson’s national emergence came in 2024, where he instantly formed one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in the country with Sam Leavitt. He became the focal point of Kenny Dillingham’s passing attack, posting 75 receptions, 1,101 yards, and 10 touchdowns before a collarbone injury cut his season short.
That production wasn’t a fluke. During his breakout year, Tyson earned a PFSN WR grade of 83.4, ranking 7th best in the nation, which signaled his elite-level skill and consistency.
A Complete WR Prospect
At 6’2″ and 200 pounds, Tyson possesses the frame of a traditional X receiver while combining the athletic fluidity of a smaller, explosive playmaker. His tape showcases a highly polished skill set, including elite route-running with precise footwork, tempo control, hip fluidity, and smooth curvilinear movement.
He demonstrates press-beating versatility through multiple release techniques, strong timing, and clean acceleration. Tyson also excels at zone manipulation, showing a deep understanding of spacing, pacing, and separation. His acrobatic catch-point ability allows him to be flexible and controlled in the air, and his shifty run-after-catch (RAC) ability enables him to win with elusiveness and smart angles.
His stats back up his talent:
- 34.9% target share- 7th-highest in the nation
- 52.6% red-zone target share- No. 1 among WRs with 40+ targets
Tyson wasn’t just heavily targeted; he was the offense. And whether you call it being “force-fed” or simply “always open,” he rewarded those opportunities with efficiency and playmaking.
From Underrated Recruit to First-Round Pick
Tyson’s rise from an under-recruited Texas prospect to Arizona State superstar is one of the conference’s best stories. Over two years, he didn’t just become ASU’s WR1; he evolved into one of the top receivers in America, even when injuries threatened both his production and the team’s season.
His declaration for the NFL Draft marks the end of an era for the Sun Devils, but the beginning of a career many believe will continue ascending on football’s biggest stage.
Jordyn Tyson leaves Arizona State as a tough, polished, and competitive wideout with elite production and a skill set suited for any NFL scheme. His journey wasn’t linear; it was earned through adversity, growth, and unshakeable competitiveness.
Now, he heads to the NFL as one of the most complete receivers in his draft class.
