Tye Edwards Commits to University Football

West Virginia University (WVU) has made a significant addition to its football roster with the commitment of veteran running back Tye Edwards. Known for his impressive size, power, and productivity, Edwards is expected to bring experience and versatility to the Mountaineers’ offense in the upcoming season.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 230 pounds, Edwards is a rare combination of strength and agility. His journey through collegiate football has been one of perseverance, resilience, and growth, having played for multiple programs before finding his way to Morgantown.

A Winding Journey Through College Football

Tye Edwards began his college career at Georgia Military College in 2019. During his time there, he rushed for 442 yards and six touchdowns over ten games. His performance caught the attention of Hutchinson Community College, a powerhouse at the junior college level, where he transferred in 2020.

At Hutchinson, Edwards made an immediate impact. In his first season, he rushed for 713 yards and eight touchdowns, earning NJCAA First-Team All-American honors. He capped the year off with an MVP performance in the NJCAA National Championship Game, recording 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations demonstrated his readiness for the next level. In 2021, he followed up with another productive season, rushing for 461 yards and four touchdowns.

Edwards continued his journey by transferring to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in 2022. His time there was limited, appearing in just three games and logging 44 rushing yards. Seeking a larger role and more playing time, Edwards moved again — this time to the University of Northern Iowa.

At Northern Iowa, Edwards finally found the stability and opportunity to thrive. Over two seasons, he accumulated 1,557 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2024, he posted his best season yet, rushing for 1,047 yards on 157 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry, and scoring six touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 13 passes for 77 yards and one touchdown. His efforts earned him an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention.

The Commitment to WVU

Edwards entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 26, 2024, quickly becoming a sought-after prospect due to his size, production, and remaining eligibility. Programs like Louisville and North Carolina expressed interest, but it was West Virginia that made the biggest impression.

After an official visit to WVU on January 7, 2025, Edwards committed to the Mountaineers just a few days later. He cited the relationship with running backs coach Chad Scott and the opportunity to contribute immediately as key factors in his decision.

West Virginia was in need of experience and depth at the running back position following the departure of standout CJ Donaldson. Edwards fills that gap with a skillset built for the physical demands of Big 12 football.

What Edwards Brings to the Mountaineers

Tye Edwards’ profile is that of a true power back. His large frame and physical running style make him ideal for short-yardage situations, but his numbers also show an ability to break big plays. At Northern Iowa, he averaged 4.39 yards after contact per attempt — a testament to his strength and ability to extend plays.

He forced 71 missed tackles across 267 carries and had 43 runs of 10 yards or more, showing his potential to be a home-run threat in addition to a chain-mover. Edwards also racked up 71 first downs during his time with the Panthers, proving his reliability in critical moments.

His versatility adds to his value. As a receiver, Edwards caught 21 of 29 targets for 168 yards at Northern Iowa. While not a primary receiving back, his ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a well-rounded weapon in the backfield.

Looking Ahead

With one year of eligibility remaining, Edwards arrives at WVU at a pivotal time for both himself and the program. The Mountaineers are aiming to make a push in the Big 12, and a powerful, experienced back like Edwards could be a key difference-maker.

He will likely compete for a starting role right away, and his maturity and leadership could also influence younger players in the locker room. Head coach Neal Brown and his staff are expected to lean on Edwards for his physicality, work ethic, and big-game experience.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Edwards to see how his unique journey and powerful playstyle translate to the Mountaineers’ offense. His commitment marks a promising development for WVU as they continue to build a competitive roster through the transfer portal.