Tyson Bagent: From Undrafted Rookie to NFL Spotlight

When it comes to NFL underdog stories, few names have gained as much attention in recent seasons as Tyson Bagent. Rising from relative obscurity at Shepherd University to starting games for the Chicago Bears, Bagent’s journey has become a source of inspiration for young athletes across the country. His story embodies persistence, hard work, and the belief that talent can shine through even without the traditional big-school spotlight.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Tyson Bagent’s background, his college career, how he reached the NFL, and what makes him a player to watch in the coming seasons.

Who is Tyson Bagent?

Tyson Bagent is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 8, 2000, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Bagent grew up surrounded by sports. His father, Travis Bagent, is a world champion arm wrestler, which instilled in Tyson a sense of competitiveness and resilience from a young age.

Unlike many NFL quarterbacks who come from powerhouse college football programs, Bagent played at Shepherd University, a Division II school. This made his road to the NFL far more challenging but also much more inspiring.

Tyson Bagent’s College Career at Shepherd

At Shepherd University, Tyson Bagent rewrote the record books. Playing from 2018 to 2022, he quickly established himself as one of the most dominant quarterbacks in Division II football history.

• NCAA Record: Bagent finished his college career with over 17,000 passing yards and 159 touchdown passes, setting an NCAA all-division record for career touchdown passes.
• Harlon Hill Trophy: In 2021, he won the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the best player in Division II football, essentially the D2 equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
• Consistency: His ability to consistently read defenses, deliver accurate throws, and lead his team to victories drew the attention of NFL scouts, despite the lower level of competition.

Shepherd University may not be Alabama or Ohio State, but Bagent proved that elite talent can be found anywhere.

The Road to the NFL

Despite his incredible college career, Tyson Bagent went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. This was not unexpected, as most NFL teams prefer players from larger programs. However, his determination never wavered.

The Chicago Bears signed Bagent as an undrafted free agent. Initially, many assumed he would simply compete for a backup role during training camp. But his strong performances during preseason games made headlines.

• Preseason Highlights: Bagent showcased his accuracy, composure, and ability to move the chains. Analysts praised his calm pocket presence and decision-making.
• Rising Through the Depth Chart: By the end of training camp, Bagent earned the role of backup quarterback behind Justin Fields, an impressive feat for a rookie undrafted free agent.

Tyson Bagent’s NFL Debut

Bagent’s big moment came during the 2023 NFL season when starting quarterback Justin Fields suffered an injury. Suddenly, the undrafted rookie was thrust into the spotlight.

In his debut, Bagent displayed poise and control far beyond expectations. He managed the offense effectively, avoided major mistakes, and even led the Bears to victory in his first start. For fans, it was a Cinderella moment that made national sports headlines.

• First NFL Win: On October 22, 2023, Tyson Bagent led the Bears to a 30–12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, becoming the first Division II quarterback to start and win an NFL game in over 60 years.
• Stats: He completed 21 of 29 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, proving he could handle the pressure.

This performance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most intriguing young quarterbacks.

Playing Style and Strengths

So what makes Tyson Bagent stand out in a league full of superstar quarterbacks?

1. Accuracy: Bagent consistently delivers sharp, accurate passes, especially in short and intermediate routes.
2. Composure: Even under pressure, he maintains calmness, which is rare for a rookie.
3. Football IQ: His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions allows him to avoid costly mistakes.
4. Work Ethic: Coming from a small school, Bagent knows he must work harder than others to prove himself. Coaches and teammates often highlight his dedication in practice.

While he may not have the elite arm strength of some first-round quarterbacks, his intelligence and discipline make him a reliable option.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, the NFL is unforgiving, and Tyson Bagent still has a long way to go to establish himself as a long-term starter. Some of the challenges he faces include:

• Competition: With Justin Fields as the Bears’ primary quarterback, Bagent’s role may remain limited unless injuries or roster changes occur.
• Experience Gap: Coming from Division II, Bagent will need more time to fully adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
• Consistency: To build a career in the league, he must consistently perform when given opportunities.

Why Tyson Bagent’s Story Inspires Fans

The story of Tyson Bagent resonates with fans for several reasons:

• Underdog Appeal: Everyone loves an underdog story, and Bagent is proof that perseverance pays off.
• Representation for Small Schools: His success shows that talent isn’t confined to big-name programs.
• Work Ethic: Young athletes look up to him as an example of how determination can break barriers.

Tyson Bagent’s Future in the NFL

As of now, Tyson Bagent’s future looks promising. He has already made history, but the bigger question is whether he can continue to climb the NFL ladder.

The Bears organization values his potential, and if he continues to develop, he could secure a long-term role as either a strong backup or even a future starter. With each snap he takes, Bagent proves that he belongs at the professional level.

Tyson Bagent’s journey from Shepherd University to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. In a league where undrafted rookies rarely make headlines, Bagent has already etched his name in history. His poise, accuracy, and determination make him one of the most exciting young players to watch.

Whether he becomes a long-term starter or serves as a reliable backup, Tyson Bagent has already achieved what many thought was impossible. His story is a powerful reminder that hard work, talent, and belief can open doors—even from the smallest of schools to the biggest stage in football.

For Bears fans and football enthusiasts alike, one thing is clear: Tyson Bagent is just getting started.