Wyoming has Eight Cowboys Named Preseason All-MW by Phil Steele

LARAMIE, Wyo.  (June 20, 2025) – The 2025 Phil Steele Preseason All-America and All-Conference teams were announced, and eight Wyoming Cowboys were named to the Preseason All-Mountain West Team. A pair of Cowboys were named to the list for the second consecutive year in tight end John Michael Gyllenborg and center Jack Walsh.

Offense

Caden Barnett – First Team Offensive Line

In 2024, Barnett appeared in all 12 games and started every contest at offensive tackle for the Brown and Gold. A veteran up front for the Cowboys, he has appeared in 35 games heading into his final season.  Helped the Cowboys recorded 604 yards of total offense for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. He protected for Poke passer in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since throwing for 366 yards in 2015.

John Michael Gyllenborg – Second Team Tight End

Last season, Gyllenborg appeared in nine games and made six starts for the Cowboys after battling an injury early in the season. He earned MW earned Second Team accolades at tight end. He led the Cowboys in receiving yards per game with 47.2 and tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions. He ranked second on the Cowboys with 30 receptions in nine games. He also ranked second on the team in yards with 425. He caught the game winning touchdown to lift the Cowboys to a win over Washington State in the finale. Gyllenborg had a career-high 137 yards against San Jose State. It was the most by a Cowboy tight end since Jacob Hollister had 144 yards against Boise State in 2016. He also recorded seven games with three or more catches. He was the highest graded tight end in the MW according to Pro Football Focus. He Helped the Cowboys recorded 604 yards of total offense for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. He protected for Poke quarterback in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since passing for 366 yards in 2015. Also excels in the classroom being named Academic All-Mountain West team.

Jack Walsh – Second Team Offensive Line

Walsh appeared and started 10 games for the Cowboys in 2024 and was a veteran upfront. He was named Second Team along the offensive line. Walsh recorded over 650 snaps during the season and did not allow a sack. He recorded over 20 pancake blocks along the offensive line. Pro Football Focus ranked him the No. 25 guard in the nation and fourth in the MW. Helped the Cowboys recorded 604 yards of total offense for the most since recording 604 yards on Nov. 20, 2021 at Utah State. He protected for Poke quarterback in a contest passing for 342 yards for the most since passing for 366 yards in 2015.

Jaylen Sargent – Fourth Team Wide Receiver

Sargent appeared in all 12 games and made four starts in 2024. Sargent earned Honorable Mention All-MW honors for the Pokes. He finished the season leading the Cowboys in receiving yards with 480 and added two touchdowns. He ranked second in the conference turning conference play in yards per reception at 23.3 and ranked tenth in receiving yards per game in conference play at 60 per game. In final three games of conference play had 317 yards receiving and recorded six catches of 30 or more yards with two touchdowns. He had 186 yards receiving against New Mexico for most by a Cowboy since 2012. He added four catches for 86 yards against Boise State.

Defense

Gary Rutherford – Third Team Linebacker                         

Rutherford appeared in four games for the Cowboys and maintained his redshirt for the Brown and Gold. He recorded one tackle with his stop coming against Colorado State. He had a strong spring for the Cowboys in 2025.

Tyce Westland – Fourth Team Defensive End

In 2024, Westland appeared in 11 games with six starts with five coming to close the season. He recorded a career-best 41 tackles. He had 18 solo stops and 23 assisted tackles. He also added six tackles for loss to rank third on the team. Westland added three sacks to rank second on the Cowboys. He recorded a career-high eight tackles twice coming against Utah State and Colorado State. He recorded a tackle for loss against Arizona State, New Mexico, Colorado State and Washington State. He earned a strip sack against the Lobos that helped give the Cowboys the road win. He added five tackles against Air Force along with a half of a sack.

Jayden Williams – Fourth Team Defensive Tackle

Williams appeared in all 12 games with one start in 2024. He recorded 28 total tackles with 14 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles. He also added 1.5 tackles for loss. Williams recorded a career-high seven tackles at Colorado State. He had five assisted stops in that contest. He recorded four tackles against Arizona State with a tackle for loss. Williams had three tackles in four other games during the season.  He also recorded a 17-yard rush on a fake punt in the win over San Diego State.

Special Teams 

Carson York – Second Team Long Snapper

York appeared in all 12 games snapping for all-conference kicker John Hoyland in 2024. He also added two tackles in coverage with stops at North Texas and against New Mexico State. He is entering his fourth season as a start.