Wyoming’s New QB Tyler Hughes Carries Inspiration Beyond the Field
- Jeff Bugher
- Apr 17
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 19
LARAMIE, Wyo. – Transfer quarterback Tyler Hughes is settling in well on the high plains in Laramie. But how much do we really know about Hughes? PokesNews.com sat down with Wyoming’s newest signal caller to gain insight.
Hughes started playing football when he was four years old, before most kids begin kindergarten. His journey began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he played for the Fort Lauderdale Broncos. His family moved to Georgia when he was around seven or eight years old.
Article Continues Below
Article Continues Below
Like many football players we interview, Hughes didn’t stick to just one position early on. After beginning at quarterback, he moved around the field throughout his childhood.
“I played like every position possible,” Hughes said. “I played running back, tight end, corner, backer. just like your true Pee League football player.”
That versatility carried into middle school, where Hughes initially resisted being locked into one role.
“I wanted to play everything. I didn't want to play a specific position,” Hughes said. “I didn't think I was going to play quarterback. But my middle school coach was just like, yep, you're a quarterback. I've just been playing it since then.”
From there, Hughes developed in the highly competitive high school football landscape in Georgia before eventually landing at William & Mary, where his connection with offensive coordinator Christian Taylor helped shape his path.
“After my junior season of high school, I was playing on 7 on 7 and his name was Tony Ballard. He knew a couple of guys over at William and Mary and he connected me with Coach Taylor,” Hughes said. “Coach Taylor watched my film and we spoke almost every day ever since.”
That relationship was pivotal, not just in Hughes’ initial recruitment, but later in his decision to transfer.
“I always knew Coach Taylor was a really good coach, but when you come into college, that's all that you know,” Hughes said. “But once you play under other coordinators, you understand that guys like Coach Taylor are not normal.”
At William and Mary, Hughes was the first quarterback in school history to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 600. In 2025, Hughes threw for 2,330 yards, completing 66 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He also rushed for 670 yards with 11 touchdowns per UW Athletics.
When Taylor resurfaced as Wyoming’s offensive coordinator, Hughes got a call after he entered the transfer portal.
“So when I got the call to have an opportunity to play for him again, wouldn't pass it up,” Hughes said.
Although the weather in recent years for home games at War Memorial Stadium has been that of Hawaii, everyone who attends Wyoming games in October and November can attest that the weather can be… well… frigid. While at William & Mary Hughes got to experience the western weather firsthand when the team made a trip out west for a frigid playoff game at Montana State in Bozeman, Montana.
“I believe it was about -2 degrees up there,” he said. “We did not have the proper footwear to play up there in Bozeman. We got absolutely dog walked.”
Even through the ups and downs of college football, Hughes points to his former head coach, Mike London as someone who is special to him.
“I love Coach London. Coach London is a great coach,” Hughes said. “He's very, he's super big on faith, family, and football, and he truly loves every single one of his players for who they are.”
Now in Laramie, Hughes has a new opportunity with the Cowboys, one he didn’t need much convincing to pursue.
“As soon as the portal opened, about a day or two after I had my visit set up with Wyoming, and this is all I needed to see,” he said. “Super glad with my decision.”
He even received insight into the program from former Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen, who is the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, and the 2024 NFL MVP.
“After I committed, I got to speak to him,” Hughes said. “He gave me up the rundown on Laramie and how close, like Wyoming in general, was super close to just winning. You've got everything here that we need as student athletes to be really good.”
As one of the new guys on the team, Hughes knows there something special about Wyoming Football and the team around him.
“I love how close we are,” he said. “We all know about our spectacular defense that we had. And I truly believe that we have that great spectacular defense again.”
For Hughes, and Wyoming fans over the last two years, the missing piece is simple.
“We just need to score points,” he said. “I truly believe that coming in I can put my best foot forward and help us win games, and help us score some points.”
Head coach Jay Sawvel has said the starting quarterback position is an open competition, but it’s fairly obvious who the next starter will likely be, in Hughes.
What can Wyoming fans expect from Tyler Hughes on fall Saturdays in War Memorial Stadium?
“A guy who's willing to do anything to win,” Hughes said. “A guy who's going to put their best foot forward, a guy who's going to be super fiery, a guy who's going to be a good leader, and a guy who's coming with the intents to win.”
Off the field, Hughes is pursuing his MBA after completing a degree in kinesiology and health science, with an eye toward a future in business.
As Hughes enters his final season of eligibility, football and the pursuit of winning remains his focus.
“My goal is to come in and win,” he said. “I want to win the Mountain West Conference Championship. I just want to win.”
Who inspired Hughes the most? His grandfather, Larry Hughes, a 1996 Atlanta Paralympic gold medalist in discus and a Vietnam War veteran.
Per The Baltimore Sun, Larry Hughes was a corporal in the Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam, where he was injured by shrapnel and began using a wheelchair. He was also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Not only did Hughes win a gold medal at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, but he also set the world record in discus throw while doing so. He also placed sixth in the shot put and javelin competitions.
Later in life, Larry remained active and was an advocate for adaptive sports, including golf.
“He just had no quit,” Hughes said. “That's who I model myself after. That's who I strive to be every single day. Regardless of the circumstances, just continue to fight, put your best foot forward and never let up.”
Although his grandfather passed away in 2024, Hughes still listens to voicemails and reads old text messages.
Hughes still carries that connection with him every time he steps onto the field through prayer.
Hughes got emotional when PokesNews.com asked him the question. “I pray to my grandpa every game,” he said. “I try to speak to my grandfather as much as I can… look for that guidance.”
As Hughes settles into life in Laramie, he’s found both comfort and opportunity in a new chapter. He tells Pokesnews.com that he’s excited to go fishing and explore the area.
“I love the area. I love Laramie,” he said.
On the eve of his final collegiate season, Hughes has this to say:
“I just want to give my heart every single day, go as hard as I can,” Hughes said. “And I know we'll get good results as long as I just keep pushing as a team.”
Interesting fact: Tyler Hughes' cousin, Jahiem White, is a running back at the University of North Texas, who transferred there from West Virginia over the offseason.
About the Author:
Jeff Bugher is a third-generation Wyomingite living in Casper. He is a sportswriter and Wyoming Cowboys/Cowgirls enthusiast who is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA ) and the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). Jeff's work has been cited by Sports Illustrated, one of the world's leading sports publications.
Don't forget to sign up for our email list, and follow us on our socials!
Subscribe to receive our newsletter here (no spam, we promise): Subscribe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pokesnews
X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/Pokes_News
Comments