The undrafted underdog who rewrote the record books
In short: Most NFL dreams end in the draft, but Tyson Bagent found a different path. After shattering Division II records with over 17,000 passing yards, the Shepherd University standout defied the odds to become a starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears.
Tyson Bagont's ascent from the NCAA Division II level to the NFL is a rare feat of statistical dominance and perseverance. During his tenure with the Shepherd Rams, Bagent established himself as one of the most prolific passers in college football history. He set a Division II record with 1,400 completions and amassed 17,034 passing yards. His ability to find the end zone was equally unprecedented, as he achieved an NCAA record of 159 passing touchdowns, a milestone reached on December 3, 2022, during a quarterfinal victory over IUP.
His 2021 season stands as a pinnacle of individual achievement. Bagent led the nation in several key categories, including 5,000 passing yards, 579 attempts, and 53 touchdowns. This performance earned him the Harlon Hill Trophy and the Hardman Award, marking him as the premier amateur athlete in West Virginia. Such dominance was reflected in his accolades, as he was named the Division II Offensive Player of the Year by multiple outlets, including D2Football.com and the D2CCA.
Despite being overlooked in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bagent's career took a dramatic turn when he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. His impact was immediate; on October 22, 2023, he became the first undrafted rookie quarterback from the Division II level to start an NFL game since 1950. While analysts initially questioned if his arm strength would translate to the professional level, his ability to manage games and lead the Bears to victories—such as a 30–12 win against the Las Vegas Raiders—has cemented his place in the league. In August 2025, the Bears signaled their long-term commitment by signing him to a two-year, $10 million contract extension.
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- Also: Wikidata — Tyson Bagent · CC0
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