Upcoming Event: Football versus Arizona State on December 31, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Football
vs Arizona State
2025-26 Football Signing Day Roster
Tyson Sanford
- Position:
- Cornerback
- Height:
- 5-11
- Weight:
- 180
- Class:
- Freshman
- Hometown:
- Suwwanee, Ga.
- High School:
- Peachtree Ridge
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January 2026
- Lettered four seasons at Peachtree Ridge under head coach Matt Helmerich
- Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, ESPN.com and Rivals.com
- In final campaign, tallied 20 tackles, one interception, one caused fumble, one blocked kick and eight pass breakups
- As a junior, booked 30 tackles, two interceptions, one caused fumble, one fumble recovery, one blocked field goal and 11 pass breakups
- During sophomore season, carded 35 tackles, two caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception, one blocked punt and three pass breakups en route to all-region honors
- Earned one additional varsity letter as a member of the track & field program, running primarily the 100 and 200 meters, qualifying for the state meet in the 100 as a sophomore
- A competitive runner since age eight, claiming six state championships and placing within the national top 10 a combined four times in the 100, 200 and 400 meters
- Son of Tiffany and Jamael Sanford
- Father was a three-year letterman (1996-97-98) with the Augustana football program, helping the Vikings to the 1997 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championship
- Grandfather, Jimmy Smith, was a two-time National Junior College Athletic Association and Academic All-America who led the 1970 Mesa Community College football team to a 10-0 season and a spot in the national championship game before playing at Missouri (1971-72) and Northern Arizona, where he was a Little All-America selection in 1973
- Great Uncle Claude “Buddy” Young was an All-America at Illinois as a freshman before being drafted into the Navy. Upon his return to Illinois, he helped the Illini win the 1946 Big Ten title and 1947 Rose Bowl against UCLA, where he earned Co-MVP honors, in addition to claiming NCAA titles in the 100 and 220-yard dashes and tying the world record for the 45 and 60-yard dashes. He played 10 years of pro football and was the first Baltimore Colt to have his number retired prior to his induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame and Illinois Hall of Fame
Game Highlights: ACC Championship vs Virginia
Tuesday, December 09
Coach Diaz Media Availability: Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Sunday, December 07
Manny Diaz and Darian Mensah: Postgame Press Conference
Sunday, December 07
Manny Diaz Joins ACC Huddle
Sunday, December 07
