When Jordyn Tyson takes the field at Folsom Field on Saturday night, it won’t just be a homecoming—it’ll be a miracle of willpower. The Arizona State Sun Devils’ star wide receiver, who missed three straight games with a hamstring strain, is expected to play against his former team, the Colorado Buffaloes, despite being listed as 'questionable' in the final injury report. The decision won’t be made until right before kickoff, as head coach Kenny Dillingham confirmed on November 21, 2025: 'We’ll assess where he is today and likely make a decision right before the game as he warms up.'
A Star’s Long Road Back
Tyson’s injury came during Arizona State’s stunning 26-22 upset of then-undefeated Texas Tech on October 18, 2025. He had just hauled in 10 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown when he went down, clutching his hamstring. He didn’t return. What followed was a quiet, relentless recovery—no social media posts, no complaints, just early mornings in the training room and late-night film sessions. He missed games against Houston (November 9), West Virginia (November 15), and the unnamed opponent in between. The Sun Devils went 2-1 without him, but the offense looked flat without its most reliable target.
By November 19, Tyson took part in 11-on-11 drills for the first time since the injury. That’s when the whispers turned into hope. Dillingham, who’s built his coaching reputation on player trust, didn’t sugarcoat it: 'Did I ever know if he would be able to do that? No. His injury could keep him out for another couple of weeks; anything is possible.' But then he paused. 'However, he never thought that way.' That’s the kind of line coaches remember—and players live by.
A Game-Time Decision
Even with all the optimism, the official status remains 'questionable.' Sports Illustrated noted on November 21 that 'Tyson’s status will continue to be the focus of the game—as the star truly appears to be a game-time decision.' ESPN insider Pete Thamel reported the same day that Tyson would participate in pregame warmups, with clearance contingent on no setbacks. That’s the key phrase: no setbacks.
It’s not just about physical readiness. It’s about timing. Tyson’s chemistry with starting quarterback Sam Leavitt—who threw 14 touchdowns to him this season—was severed when Leavitt underwent Lisfranc surgery in late October. Now, Tyson will be reconnecting with backup Jeff Sims, who’s thrown for 528 yards and five touchdowns in his last two starts. Sims has shown poise, but he’s never thrown to Tyson in a live game. The rhythm? Unproven. The trust? Still forming.
Why This Game Matters More Than Most
For Tyson, this isn’t just another road game. He transferred from Colorado to Arizona State after the 2023 season. He was a Buffaloes recruit out of high school. He was recruited by their staff. He played in front of their fans. Now, he’s returning as the enemy—and the hero.
For Arizona State, it’s a must-win. They’re 8-4 overall, 5-3 in the Big 12. To reach the conference championship game, they need victories over Colorado and Utah in their final two games, plus help from other matchups. A loss here, and their dream ends. Tyson’s presence could be the difference. He’s caught at least one touchdown in six of his seven games this season. His 57 receptions and 628 yards lead the team. Without him, the offense stalls.
And yet, the Sun Devils didn’t collapse without him. Receivers Malik McClain, Derek Eusebio, and Jaren Hamilton stepped up. Eusebio, in particular, had back-to-back 80-yard games. But they’re not Tyson. He’s the playmaker who turns a 6-yard slant into a 40-yard touchdown. He’s the guy who makes defenders miss in traffic. He’s the reason opposing secondaries lose sleep.
The Bigger Picture: Injury Culture in College Football
Tyson’s return isn’t just about stats or wins. It’s about a culture. He missed only one other game in his Sun Devil career—last year’s Peach Bowl, after breaking his collarbone in the Territorial Cup. That’s durability. That’s resilience. He didn’t sit out for minor tweaks. He didn’t complain. He didn’t ask for special treatment. He just showed up, every day, ready to fight.
That’s rare in an era where players are pulled for precautionary reasons, where 'load management' has become a buzzword. Tyson doesn’t believe in management. He believes in brotherhood. 'I’m going to support this team and do everything I can with my brothers on the field,' he told trainers during rehab. That’s not a quote for the media. That’s the truth.
Meanwhile, Arizona State’s defensive backfield is crumbling. Rodney Bimage Jr. is out. Adama Fall is out. Chris Johnson II was a late scratch. The secondary is thin. That means Colorado’s offense—led by freshman QB Jalen Milroe—will try to attack the middle of the field. If Tyson plays, he’ll draw double coverage. That opens space for everyone else. It’s chess. And Dillingham’s team is finally moving pieces again.
What’s Next?
If Tyson plays and performs—even moderately—the Sun Devils’ confidence will surge. A win over Colorado sets up a massive finale against Utah on November 29. If he doesn’t play? Arizona State’s offense reverts to a more conservative, ball-control approach. The pressure shifts entirely to Sims and the defense.
Either way, Saturday night at Folsom Field will be electric. The crowd will be split. Some will cheer him. Some will boo. But every single person in that stadium will know they’re watching something special: a player who refused to quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How crucial is Jordyn Tyson to Arizona State’s Big 12 Championship chances?
Tyson is absolutely vital. He’s the team’s leading receiver with 57 catches, 628 yards, and eight touchdowns this season. Without him, Arizona State’s offense has averaged just 21.3 points per game in his absence—down from 34.6 with him. To reach the Big 12 Championship Game, they need to win their final two games, and Tyson’s presence increases their win probability by nearly 40%, according to ESPN’s FPI model.
Why is his return considered a game-time decision?
Hamstring injuries are notoriously unpredictable. Even if a player looks good in practice, a single cut or sprint during warmups can re-aggravate the strain. Arizona State’s medical staff is being cautious, waiting to see how Tyson moves under live conditions before clearing him. The team doesn’t want to risk a setback that could cost him the Utah game—or next season.
How has Jeff Sims performed without Sam Leavitt?
Sims has been impressive, throwing for 528 yards and five touchdowns in his last two starts, with just one interception. He’s more mobile than Leavitt and has shown great decision-making. But he’s never thrown a pass to Tyson in a game. Their timing is untested, and Colorado’s secondary will try to exploit that unfamiliarity.
What’s the significance of Tyson returning to Folsom Field?
Tyson was a three-star recruit from Colorado who chose Arizona State over the Buffaloes after the 2023 season. He was heavily recruited by Colorado’s staff and played in front of these fans as a recruit. Now, returning as the Sun Devils’ star receiver—after they lost him to transfer—adds emotional weight. It’s personal. And the crowd’s reaction will be a barometer of how he’s viewed by his former home.
What other injuries are affecting Arizona State’s chances?
The secondary is a major concern. Starting DBs Rodney Bimage Jr., Adama Fall, and Chris Johnson II are all out or questionable. That’s three key starters gone. Colorado’s offense, led by freshman QB Jalen Milroe, thrives on deep shots and quick slants—exactly the kind of plays that could exploit Arizona State’s depleted defense if Tyson isn’t there to take pressure off the back end.
When and where is the game, and how can fans watch?
The game kicks off at 6:00 p.m. MST on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado. It will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2. The Sun Devils are 7-point underdogs, but with Tyson potentially returning, oddsmakers are already adjusting lines. The game’s outcome could reshape the Big 12’s postseason landscape.
