11/5/2026 11:06:00 AM | Football, Pokes Insider
Freshman wide receiver returns to Allegiant Stadium with Wyoming to face UNLV
LARAMIE – Wyoming wide receiver Jayden Williams has already played in big November games at Allegiant Stadium.
The freshman from Las Vegas helped lead Arbor View High School to back-to-back state championship games against national powerhouse Bishop Gorman.
Williams, who had six receptions for 84 yards in his team's 44-7 loss in last year's state title game, is hoping for a happier homecoming when the Cowboys play UNLV on Saturday night inside the opulent home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
"Everything," Williams said when asked what the road trip means to him. "My family's going to be there. It's an awesome opportunity. The last time I played in the stadium was for state against Bishop Gorman, so just going home, being able to do this in front of my family will definitely be a big thing for me."
The 5-foot-8, 171-pound Williams is small in stature, but UW offensive coordinator Christian Taylor said he has been making big blocks during the team's three-game winning streak.
"You look at him, like, oh, he can't block. He blocks his tail off," Taylor said. "Blocking is 90% effort, and he gives max effort. He's got great technique, and he's a really good athlete."
UW's two leading receivers are tight end Jake Wilson and running back Markell Holman, with 22 and 16 catches, respectively. Seniors Eric Richardson (15 catches, 174 yards) and Charlie Coenen (13 catches, 147 yards) are the team's most productive wide receivers in the passing game.
Williams does not have a reception yet, but his role continues to expand.
"Throughout the season, I've been getting some more playing time, which has been pretty awesome to see," Williams said. "Honestly, whenever I'm on the field, being able to contribute and do my job was the biggest thing for me because coming in as a freshman, your biggest thing is just do your job, learn the offense and do what you can to help us win."
Taylor said Williams has the skill set to emerge as a reliable target for the Pokes.
"Physically, he's very talented, super quick, strong, good hands, good route runner, willing to do anything tough," Taylor said. "Mentally, it's always hard as a freshman in any college offense. I think we ask a lot of our guys. That's where you've seen the most progress and why you've seen him on the field more later in the year than earlier in the year because he's consistently doing the right thing more."
Williams was originally committed to Sacramento State but reopened his recruitment following a coaching change. His receivers coach at Arbor View High School, Zach Van Leeuwen, played for Jovon Bouknight when UW's receivers coach held the same position at Utah State.
When UW Director of Player Personnel Austin Maus and Bouknight reached out, it didn't take long for Williams to choose the Cowboys.
"When I came for my visit, I felt like this was home," Williams said. "The coaches were very welcoming; it was very personal. They're very transparent throughout the entire process. I really liked that."
After signing with UW, Williams and his high school teammate Tanielu Maafala-Barbasa, who has five tackles and a sack at defensive tackle this season, enrolled early and participated in spring practice.
"For me, being able to travel and being a part of the offense early on, coming early was a big step," Williams said. "Having Tani here, someone that I'm familiar with, helped out a lot. It's been awesome."
Follow Ryan for more stories on Wyoming athletics on X at @By_RyanThorburn on Facebook at Wyoming Athletics and Instagram at wyoathletics. Also follow him at Pokes Insider at Gowyo.com/pokesinsider.
Don't just watch the game — change it. The most powerful way to support University of Wyoming student-athletes is by joining the Cowboy Joe Club. Your membership fuels scholarships, provides essential resources, and helps Cowboys and Cowgirls succeed both in the classroom and in competition. Your gift is not just support — it's access. As a member, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits that bring you closer to the action than ever before. Be a champion. Join our team. Visit CowboyJoeClub.com or call 307-766-6242.
The freshman from Las Vegas helped lead Arbor View High School to back-to-back state championship games against national powerhouse Bishop Gorman.
Williams, who had six receptions for 84 yards in his team's 44-7 loss in last year's state title game, is hoping for a happier homecoming when the Cowboys play UNLV on Saturday night inside the opulent home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
"Everything," Williams said when asked what the road trip means to him. "My family's going to be there. It's an awesome opportunity. The last time I played in the stadium was for state against Bishop Gorman, so just going home, being able to do this in front of my family will definitely be a big thing for me."
The 5-foot-8, 171-pound Williams is small in stature, but UW offensive coordinator Christian Taylor said he has been making big blocks during the team's three-game winning streak.
"You look at him, like, oh, he can't block. He blocks his tail off," Taylor said. "Blocking is 90% effort, and he gives max effort. He's got great technique, and he's a really good athlete."
UW's two leading receivers are tight end Jake Wilson and running back Markell Holman, with 22 and 16 catches, respectively. Seniors Eric Richardson (15 catches, 174 yards) and Charlie Coenen (13 catches, 147 yards) are the team's most productive wide receivers in the passing game.
Williams does not have a reception yet, but his role continues to expand.
"Throughout the season, I've been getting some more playing time, which has been pretty awesome to see," Williams said. "Honestly, whenever I'm on the field, being able to contribute and do my job was the biggest thing for me because coming in as a freshman, your biggest thing is just do your job, learn the offense and do what you can to help us win."
Taylor said Williams has the skill set to emerge as a reliable target for the Pokes.
"Physically, he's very talented, super quick, strong, good hands, good route runner, willing to do anything tough," Taylor said. "Mentally, it's always hard as a freshman in any college offense. I think we ask a lot of our guys. That's where you've seen the most progress and why you've seen him on the field more later in the year than earlier in the year because he's consistently doing the right thing more."
Williams was originally committed to Sacramento State but reopened his recruitment following a coaching change. His receivers coach at Arbor View High School, Zach Van Leeuwen, played for Jovon Bouknight when UW's receivers coach held the same position at Utah State.
When UW Director of Player Personnel Austin Maus and Bouknight reached out, it didn't take long for Williams to choose the Cowboys.
"When I came for my visit, I felt like this was home," Williams said. "The coaches were very welcoming; it was very personal. They're very transparent throughout the entire process. I really liked that."
After signing with UW, Williams and his high school teammate Tanielu Maafala-Barbasa, who has five tackles and a sack at defensive tackle this season, enrolled early and participated in spring practice.
"For me, being able to travel and being a part of the offense early on, coming early was a big step," Williams said. "Having Tani here, someone that I'm familiar with, helped out a lot. It's been awesome."
Follow Ryan for more stories on Wyoming athletics on X at @By_RyanThorburn on Facebook at Wyoming Athletics and Instagram at wyoathletics. Also follow him at Pokes Insider at Gowyo.com/pokesinsider.
Don't just watch the game — change it. The most powerful way to support University of Wyoming student-athletes is by joining the Cowboy Joe Club. Your membership fuels scholarships, provides essential resources, and helps Cowboys and Cowgirls succeed both in the classroom and in competition. Your gift is not just support — it's access. As a member, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits that bring you closer to the action than ever before. Be a champion. Join our team. Visit CowboyJoeClub.com or call 307-766-6242.
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