IRVING, Texas – BYU men's track and field middle distance runner Tyler Mathews was named the Big 12 Outstanding Freshman of the Year, the conference announced Thursday.
"Coach [Ryan] Waite has done an excellent job with Tyler’s continued development," said director of track and field Ed Eyestone. "Tyler was a phenomenal talent as a junior in high school and now as a true freshman is one of the top talents in all of Division I. It is a sign of Tyler’s amazing work ethic coupled with Coach Waite’s gifted guidance. Tyler has an intuitive ability to position himself in races that allows him to be a factor in every race he enters."
Mathews has had phenomenal success in his first year as a Cougar, headlined by a school-record performance in the indoor 800-meters. The runner from Mesa, Arizona achieved the feat at the 2025 Husky Classic meet with a 1:46.62 finishing time. He was also a member of the distance medley relay team that secured a new program record this season in 9:20.72.
"The Big 12 is one of the premier track and field conferences, consistently producing Olympic and World Championship athletes," said Waite. "For Tyler to be recognized by the coaches in this conference as the Outstanding Freshman says a lot about not only the level he is running right now, but the level that he can run as he continues to grow in the sport. We’re extremely proud of him and grateful he is a Coug!"
The men's and women's programs are set to compete at the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships Mar. 14-15 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.