Nebraska High Jumper Tyus Wilson Finishes Among the Best at the World Championships

Tyus Wilson’s story is one of grit, growth, and soaring to new heights, literally.

The former Sterling, Kan., star and Nebraska All-American has climbed the ranks from a small-town standout to an international competitor. And in 2025, he made his long-awaited debut on one of the biggest stages in track and field. Representing the United States at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Wilson entered the global spotlight after a season packed with unforgettable performances.

Tyus Wilson Dominates the U.S. Circuit

Wilson punched his ticket to Tokyo after a summer to remember. Making his first appearance on the global stage, Tyus Wilson tied his season-best mark of 2.28 m on his final jump. This was enough to earn him a sixth-place finish at the World Championships.

6TH IN THE WORLD IN HIS WC DEBUT‼️🌏

Tyus Wilson cleared 2.28m on his final attempt to secure sixth place, tying his season best! All in his first ever World Championships. 👏 pic.twitter.com/gulWI28CfD
— Nebraska Track & Field/Cross Country (@HuskerTFXC) September 16, 2025

In July, he stole the show at the U.S. Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. He cleared 2.27 meters (7 feet, 5 1/4 inches) to claim gold against a tough field of professional jumpers.

That victory cemented his spot on Team USA and set the stage for what was to come. He didn’t stop there. Just weeks later, Wilson added another gold medal at the NACAC Championships in The Bahamas, clearing 2.24 meters (7-4 1/4) to keep his winning streak alive.

Wilson’s professional rise has been built on an already decorated career at Nebraska. During his time as a Husker, he collected five All-American honors and captured the 2025 NCAA indoor high jump championship. He became the school’s first men’s indoor national champion since 2009.

He also came close outdoors, finishing as runner-up at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships. His dominance in the Big Ten was unmatched, sweeping both the indoor and outdoor high jump conference titles in back-to-back years and earning Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year honors twice. Off the field, he impressed just as much, earning Academic All-American recognition twice.

Tyus Wilson competes in the men’s high jump final during the World Athletics Championships at National Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Athlete's Personal Best and Breakthrough Moments

The 2025 indoor season was when Wilson truly made headlines. He claimed the Big Ten indoor high jump title at 2.25 meters (7-4 1/2), showcasing consistency at the highest level. His outdoor campaign added even more trophies, with wins at the Michael Johnson Invitational, Drake Relays, and Desert Heat Classic.

Before his collegiate and professional success, Wilson was already turning heads in Kansas. A 2021 graduate of Sterling High School, he excelled in football, basketball, and track but truly dominated in the high jump. He was ranked as the nation’s top high school high jumper in both 2020 and 2021. He boasted a personal best of 7-3 and earned Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

From those early days in Sterling to a sixth-place finish at the World Championships, Tyus Wilson has shown that he belongs among the world’s elite.

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