Wayne State transfer running back XaVior Tyus announced on his Instagram account Tuesday that he’s committed to join Eastern Michigan this year.
Tyus, from Portage, Mich. (Portage Northern HS) played three years at Wayne State in Detroit, and was named All-GLIAC honorable mention after a 357-yard rushing season. Tyus had an average of 3.7 yars per carry, and 32.5 yards per game.
For his career, Tyus, listed at 5’10” and 190 lbs., played in 24 games, made 12 starts, had 811 rushing yards on 201 carries (4.0 avg.) with four touchdowns, and caught 33 passes for 198 yards (1 score).
Tyus played in every game last season, and made the final eight starts of the year for a team that finished with an 0-11 record and a recent head coaching change.
EMU’s running back room already has four new players joining this year — two transfers (Malachi James from Syracuse, Braydon Bennet from Virginia Tech) and two freshmen.
Eastern’s rushing attack in 2025 was average at best, as it was 67th nationally in yards per carry (4.38), 82nd in yards per game (142.5), and 91st in rushing touchdowns (16). The running backs most responsible for EMU’s success last year have graduated out. The only returning running back on this year’s roster is Joey Mattord (Career: 21 games, 166 rush yards, 148 receiving yards).
