With just three days remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, Jordyn Tyson’s rise has become one of the more compelling storylines in this year’s class. Once viewed as an uncertain fit during a major program overhaul at Colorado, Tyson now enters draft week as a projected first-round pick, backed by elite production and explosive traits that have elevated his stock.
His journey has also come full circle in an unexpected way, with Deion Sanders now publicly supporting the same player who once moved on from his program. That evolution in their relationship has added another layer to Tyson’s draft profile as teams evaluate both his talent and resilience.
How Jordyn Tyson’s Rise Highlights His Complicated History With Deion Sanders
Sanders recently added to the conversation surrounding Tyson with a post on X that read, “Jordyn Tyson is Different.” The message carries weight because of how rocky their relationship was after Sanders’ arrival at Colorado.
Tyson played for the Buffaloes in 2022 and showed early promise as a freshman, totaling 22 receptions for 470 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns in 9 games. His momentum was cut short by a severe knee injury against Oregon, where he tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL late in the season.
When Sanders took over the program, Colorado underwent a massive roster overhaul. Many returning players were encouraged to enter the transfer portal, and Tyson was among them. Still rehabbing his injury at the time, Tyson later revealed he was told he was not needed under the new staff, making his departure both abrupt and difficult.
Jordyn Tyson is Different
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) April 20, 2026
Rather than stall his career, the move became a turning point. Tyson transferred to Arizona State in the 2023 offseason and steadily rebuilt his value, even while dealing with additional injuries, including knee rehab in 2023, a collarbone injury in 2024, and hamstring issues in 2025.
By November 2025, the dynamic between Tyson and Sanders had shifted. Following Tyson’s breakout at Arizona State, the two reconnected and spoke positively about each other, with Sanders expressing pride in Tyson’s development. The recent post reflects that change, turning what was once a complicated exit into a story of growth and mutual respect.
Why Tyson Projects as a First-Round Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Tyson’s on-field development is the reason Sanders’ endorsement resonates as draft day approaches. The Arizona State standout finished his college career with 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns, pairing high-level production with traits that translate to the next level.
He wins with sharp route running and elite change of direction, consistently creating separation underneath. Tyson adjusts his tempo and footwork based on coverage, showing strong pattern recognition and control throughout his routes. With the ball in his hands, he becomes an explosive playmaker, using vision and agility to generate yards after the catch.
Those qualities have some evaluators projecting him as a potential No. 1 receiver at the next level. The main question centers on durability. His medical history, highlighted by the 2022 knee injury and additional setbacks in the following seasons, will be closely evaluated by teams considering him early in the first round.
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Even with those concerns, Tyson’s ceiling remains one of the highest among wide receivers in this class. In his final mock of the 2026 draft season, PFSN draft analyst Jacob Infante projects Tyson to the New Orleans Saints at No. 8 overall. The selection reflects a team prioritizing playmakers to support quarterback Tyler Shough, with Tyson offering immediate impact potential.
