Wyoming DT Jaden Williams Entering NCAA Transfer Portal

LARAMIE -- Jaden Williams is entering the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Wyoming's sophomore defensive tackle, who a little over 12 hours ago registered four tackles and half-a-sack in a 15-14 road upset of Washington State, announced his decision to transfer Sunday morning on social media.

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"Thank you Wyoming for the development, memories and relationships I gained these past three years," Williams penned on X. "I'll always be grateful for the opportunity. With that being said, I've decided to enter the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining."

The portal officially opens for business Monday, Dec. 9.

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound California product tallied 20 total tackles this fall, including six solo stops. During parts of three seasons in Laramie, Williams finished with two sacks and 25 tackles.

The former three-star prospect out of Campbell High School received interest from Nevada and UNLV after racking up 70 total tackles, including 15 for loss and 11 sacks during his senior season. Wyoming, though, was the first to offer.

Williams called his decision a "no-brainer." He ultimately credited the "family atmosphere."

"He's a really good young man," Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel said back in July. "You appreciate where he's at and how he works day in and day out ... I'm a big fan of him. He's just a really good young man with a great personality. He always smiles. You want to see him have success."

MORE UW FOOTBALL NEWS VIA 7220SPORTS:

* Defense, timely late throw leads to 15-14 upset of Wazzu

* Rants and Raves: Washington State Edition

* Turning point, unsung hero and what's next for UW Football

* Tuck's Take: Effort, Heart Finally Show Up in Win Column

* LIVE FILE: Wyoming Cowboys vs. Washington State Cougars

* Gear Up For Game Day: Washington State

* 7220sports.com Kickoff Show: Pokes head to Palouse for finale

* Three-star Texas receiver verbally commits to Cowboys

* Wyoming Cowboys in the NFL: Week 12

* Worried about the transfer portal? Sawvel doesn't seem to be

* UW Football: News and Notes Ahead of Wazzu

* QB Kaden Anderson listed as 'doubtful' for season finale at Wazzu

Williams was fast-tracked into the starting lineup this fall after Gavin Meyer transferred to USC in the spring and both Caleb Robinson and Lucas Samsula were lost for the year with preseason injuries.

After his Cowboys took No. 12 Boise State deep into the fourth quarter before eventually falling 17-13 in the home finale, Sawvel said he was proud of the effort, especially considering the "four best defensive tackles" weren't on the field that night.

He mentioned the three guys above, along with sixth-year senior Jordan Bertagnole.

Jayden Williams (28 tackles), Dante Drake (eight tackles), Ben Florentine (25 tackles, sack, pass breakup), Samsula and Robinson are all expected to return next season, according to a source familiar with the situation.

University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players

During the summer of 2021, 7220Sports.com counted down the Top 50 football players in University of Wyoming history, presented by Premier Bone & Joint Centers, Worthy of Wyoming.

The rules are simple: What was the player's impact while in Laramie? That means NFL stats, draft status or any other accolade earned outside of UW is irrelevant when it comes to this list.

This isn't a one-man job. This task called for a panel of experts. Joining 7220's Cody Tucker are Robert Gagliardi, Jared Newland, Ryan Thorburn, and Kevin McKinney.

We all compiled our own list of 50 and let computer averages do the work. Think BCS -- only we hope this catalog is fairer.

Don't agree with a selection? Feel free to sound off on our Twitter: @7220sports - #Top50UWFB

Gallery Credit: 7220Sports.com

- University of Wyoming’s Top 50 Football Players