In one of the most surprising moments of the USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, former Nebraska track and field standout Tyus Wilson stunned the competition. How did he do it? By winning the national high jump title.
On his third and final attempt Sunday, Wilson soared over the bar at 7 feet, 5¼ inches (2.27 meters). The jumper beat a field loaded with elite talent. Those include Olympic silver medalist Shelby McEwen and 2024 Olympian JuVaughn Harrison. Neither McEwen nor Harrison could clear the winning height, leaving Wilson alone at the top.
Tyus Wilson Leaps into History in Eugene
The NBC broadcast captured the moment with just the right energy, declaring, “He is a U.S. champion here today. Talking about upsets brewing right here. Tyus Wilson, out of the University of Nebraska. Cornhuskers stand up right there.”
“Cornhuskers stand up” 🌽Former #Huskers All-American high jumper Tyus Wilson (@tyus_wilson) clears 2.27m (7’5 ¼”) at the USATF Outdoor Championships 🤯He wins the national title as the only one to clear that height 🏆“He is a U.S. champion here today”🎥: [email protected]/VpCxhdvugG
— Mason Kern (@MasonKernMedia) August 3, 2025
For Wilson, a native of Sterling, Kansas, this wasn’t just a personal best or another solid meet. This was a statement. Competing as an unattached athlete, without the support of a professional club or sponsor, he managed to outperform the best in the country…