Ryan Yarborough, a legendary wide receiver for the University of Wyoming, has been announced as a member of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame (CFHOF) class, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
The honor solidifies Yarborough’s enduring impact on Wyoming football, earning him a place alongside Eddie “Boom Boom” Talboom and Jay Novacek as one of only three Cowboys to receive this distinction.
Yarborough, who played for Wyoming from 1990 to 1993 under coaches Paul Roach and Joe Tiller, was the program’s first two-time All-American first-team selection. During his collegiate career, Yarborough led the nation in receiving yards in both 1992 (1,351) and 1993 (1,512). He set several NCAA records, including career receiving yards (4,357 at the time, now ninth all-time), 200-yard receiving games (7), and touchdown receptions in consecutive games (27). He remains Wyoming’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 42.
The Cowboys reached the 1990 and 1993 Copper Bowls and shared the 1993 Western Athletic Conference title, further solidifying Yarborough’s legacy as one of the most dynamic players in program history.
Marcus Harris, who followed Yarborough as a standout receiver for the Cowboys, expressed his excitement about the announcement. Harris, the 1996 Biletnikoff Award winner, shared a special bond with Yarborough, viewing him as both a mentor and an inspiration.
“I think that’s amazing, not only for himself but for the University of Wyoming,” Harris said. “He played ball with the best of them, and he treated me super well when I was there. I couldn’t have followed a better guy.”
Harris surpassed some of Yarborough’s records, becoming the program’s leader in career receiving yards (4,518) and receptions (259), but he credits much of his growth to the example Yarborough set.
Jovon Bouknight, another celebrated Wyoming receiver, also praised Yarborough’s influence. Bouknight, who ranks second in receptions (250) and third in receiving yards (3,626) at UW, recalled watching film of Yarborough and Harris to study their techniques.
“Yarborough was so unique just because of his route-running ability and his speed,” Bouknight said. “He’s the one that really captivated me and made me want to achieve those levels of greatness.”
After his college career, Yarborough was selected in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He went on to play six seasons in the NFL with the Jets, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints.
In 2003, Yarborough was inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame. Today, he serves as a coach and business consultant in Houston, Texas, while maintaining a strong connection to the Wyoming football community.
“He was just kind of bigger than life,” Harris said. “But he didn’t have that persona for me. He always made time for me. I always found that special about Ryan.”
The 2025 CFHOF class will be formally inducted at the 67th National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner on December 9, 2025, in Las Vegas. The honor serves as a testament to Yarborough’s remarkable career and his contributions to Wyoming football’s storied history.
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