A native of Braceville, Ohio, Tyler Stephens took some time to develop before making a name for himself. After high school, he spent three seasons at the University of Buffalo, including a redshirt year in 2019. Stephens transferred to Mizzou ahead of the 2022 season and has spent the last two years continuing to grow and refine his skills.
After two seasons with the program, the 6-foot-6 tight end understands his role as a leader in the locker room. His personal goals align with those of the team, and it will be exciting to watch them pursue these goals together this season.
Stephens has had quite the journey in college football, and 2024 will be his final season at this level. His story is one of intrigue, and on Thursday afternoon, he spoke with the media ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Tiger jacks: the universal sign that we are BACK! #Mizzou tight end Tyler Stephens (@TylerStephens80) got the honor of leading them on day one 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uPPVP0U9kS
— Nathalie Jones (@NathalieABC17) July 29, 2024
Stephens is one of five tight ends on the depth chart, in a room filled with youthful talent. The group is highlighted by sophomore Brett Norfleet, but that hasn’t discouraged Stephens. Instead, he’s used it as motivation to continue his personal growth, challenging Norfleet day in and day out.
"Freshman All-American, that kid , he’s crazy. He’s gonna put on a show every single time he goes out there, and I can’t wait to be a part of it," said Stephens. "I’m grateful to battle against him every single day. It gives me a chance to really prove to myself what I can do in this league and on the field. I love every single day I get to go out there and compete."
In his final season, it’s fitting that Stephens will have the opportunity to play against his former team, Buffalo. He spoke about the relationships he built there and how meaningful that game will be for him.
"I've got so many guys on that team still, oh my gosh. We still talk every day, so it’s crazy," Stephens shared. "We talk our crap every single day. Just going out there on that field, when we run out there, or even in warm-ups, and I see those guys again, it’s going to be such a humbling experience, such a blessing."
As he heads into his final season of college football, Stephens reflected on what that feeling will be like. Despite his focus and desire to stay in the moment, he admitted that it’s tough not to think about it, and as the season progresses, it will start to feel more real.
"I’m pretty sure it’s going to hit me here pretty soon. When I line up in this tunnel and I run out there, I’m going to feel it for sure," said Stephens. "I have those moments for sure. It’s gonna be that last of everything, and it’s coming around for me right now. Last camp, last spring ball, last of this, last of that, a lot of 'last' everything. So I like to just focus on here, but it’s gonna come for sure.”
Stephens is comfortable in his role heading into the season, and it will be exciting to watch him make an impact on this team. Whether through his gritty blocking or his leadership and experience, Stephens is sure to make an impact for the Missouri Tigers in 2024.