Haysville native inks NFL contract after record-breaking Division II career
After a record-breaking Division II football career, Emporia State wide receiver Tyler Kahmann has a chance to follow his dream to play in the NFL.
Following the conclusion of the NFL Draft on Saturday, the Haysville native and 2019 Campus High School graduate signed an undrafted rookie free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
Kahmann is fresh off his best season to date, racking up 100 catches for 1,488 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season for the Hornets. He earned numerous first team All-American awards in the process and left ESU with virtually every single game, single season and career receiving record.
“If you would have told me four years ago that I was going to get a chance to sign with an NFL team, I would have told you that you were crazy,” Kahmann told The Eagle on Saturday. “This really is a dream come true and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I’ve worked hard for a long time and I’m super blessed to have an opportunity like this and to have the support in my life that has helped give me an opportunity like this.”
Kahmann just wrapped up a 6-year career at Emporia State that began with a redshirt season, then was delayed further by the coronavirus pandemic. He was a productive receiver for the Hornets in 2021 and 2022, his first two seasons on the field, but his true breakout came in 2023 when he produced 101 receptions for 1,234 yards and 20 touchdowns.
He was the only receiver at any level of NCAA football to finish with at least 100 catches, 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Kahmann finished his career with 281 catches, 3,661 yards and 54 touchdowns — all program records. He is also the career record holder for touchdown receptions in the MIAA.
With the opportunity to enter the transfer portal and look for more exposure following his breakout campaign, Kahmann remained loyal to ESU head coach Garin Higgins.
“I love my coaches and I love my teammates,” Kahmann said. “Emporia State is such a great place, I can’t say enough good things about it. I knew I could still get to that next level if I continued to work hard and continued to produce. Coming from a Division II, it’s definitely like climbing an uphill battle (in the draft process). But I just love Emporia State.”
Not only is Kahmann trying to beat the odds as a Division II player, but he’s also carrying the torch for Haysville — a community that hasn’t produced many football players who have reached the doorstep of the NFL before.
Kahmann was a 3-sport star at Campus and his favorite sport was whatever season it was between football, basketball and baseball. Even though both of his parents were former college basketball players, Kahmann said he knew football would give him the most opportunities at the next level.
He enjoyed the serendipity of signing with the Indianapolis Colts after playing for the Campus Colts in high school.
“When you hear the news that Tyler is getting an NFL contract, most people are going to be shocked with a Haysville kid going Division II and now to the NFL,” said Campus boys basketball coach Zac Kliewer, who coached Kahmann as an assistant during his time in high school. “But anyone who has had the pleasure of coaching Tyler knows that he is one of a kind. His work ethic, knowledge of the game and commitment to doing the right thing at all times makes him special. We at Campus have always known that he was going to be great and now he gets to prove it on the biggest stage. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Up next for the 6-foot-3, 206-pound wide receiver is to make an impression during rookie mini camp, which will take place in two weeks. Kahmann said he will fly out to Indianapolis on May 8 and start his journey that weekend.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity, but I know I’ve got a long ways to go,” Kahmann said. “I don’t think my ultimate goal is to just get there. I want to continue to work and try to make a roster. I think I’m capable of that and I want to keep continuing to strive for that.”
This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
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