The University of Wyoming football program is searching for another high school running back after three-star recruit Grayson Rigdon announced his release from his National Letter of Intent (NLI), Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports.
Rigdon, a standout athlete from Texas, shared the news Thursday, citing recent coaching staff changes as a factor in his decision.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Rigdon initially committed to Wyoming for the 2025 season. He had also planned to try out for the Cowboys’ basketball team. However, following the departure of running backs coach Gordie Haug—who accepted a position at the University of North Dakota—Rigdon decided to reopen his recruitment.
“After much thought and consideration, I have requested and been granted a release from my commitment at Wyoming due to recent changes in the coaching staff,” Rigdon posted on social media platform X. “I am reopening my recruitment and looking forward to exploring new opportunities.”
Rigdon’s achievements on the football field are extraordinary. He concluded his high school career with a 59-1 record and became the first-ever four-time state champion in Texas high school football history. Over those championship games, Rigdon earned MVP honors three times and scored 31 touchdowns.
He also achieved remarkable success during the 2024 season at Columbus High School, his first experience with 11-man football. Rigdon rushed for over 2,000 yards, scoring 27 touchdowns in the regular season, and led the Cardinals to a 3A state title. Previously, at Benjamin High School, he earned recognition as a three-time Six-Man Player of the Year, leading his team to three consecutive championships and scoring 17 touchdowns in those finals.
In addition to football, Rigdon has excelled in basketball, averaging 47.3 points per game last season and recently being named Mr. Texas Player of the Week.
Rigdon’s departure leaves a gap in Wyoming’s 2025 recruiting class, which already includes 19 incoming freshmen and 15 transfers. Head coach Jay Sawvel has identified multiple positional needs to address during this offseason, including running back, kicker/punter, long snapper, and additional defensive players.
Wyoming’s running back room remains strong, featuring returning players Harrison Waylee, Sam Scott, Nico Hamilton, and Dontae Burch, along with incoming recruits Samuel “Tote” Harris and Jaden Lawrence. Additionally, transfer Terron Kellman has joined the program from Charlotte.
Spring practice is set to begin on March 25, providing an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the roster and integrate new players.
Just minutes after announcing his release from Wyoming, Rigdon shared an offer from the University of Arizona on social media. Other programs, including Houston and Cal, had previously expressed interest before his verbal commitment to NC State earlier in his recruitment process.
Wyoming will look to fill the void left by Rigdon’s departure as they continue building their roster for the upcoming season.
