ASU WR Derek Eusebio on the Union Jack Classic and life after Jordyn Tyson

Speaking to DAZN, courtesy of the Union Jack Classic, Eusebio's eyes lit up at the prospect of visiting British shores.

"I think it's going to be a crazy experience," he smiled. "I'm going to be able to say I played in London for a football game in college. It's the kind of thing you can tell your kids about."

Kelsey Grant / Stringer

Here's Eusebio's story, from underrated walk-on to standing on the verge of playing a starring role in London.

Eusebio: From walk-on to scholarship

Eusebio arrived at Arizona State in 2023 as a walk-on from Parish Episcopal High School in Dallas, where, despite setting all-time receiving records, he had no guarantee of ever seeing the field.

After patiently waiting his turn, he burst onto the scene, announcing his arrival in the loudest way possible by turning his first catch into a 64-yard touchdown against rivals Arizona in the Territorial Cup.

That catch earned him a scholarship in 2024, and he hasn't looked back since.

"I'll never forget being a walk-on, just because I've been underestimated my whole life," he said. "It's just the underdog mentality."

At 5'9" and 185 pounds, Eusebio may not fit the prototype of what comes to mind when some consider what most wideouts look like.

Underestimate him at your peril.

Just ask his former college roommate, Jordyn Tyson, selected eighth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo has also been effusive in his praise of Eusebio.

"I can't say enough good things about him. It's the reason he's on the team. It's the reason he's now on scholarship."

Eusebio's breakout season and what comes next

Eusebio finished 2025 with 22 catches for 341 yards and two touchdowns, his best numbers since arriving in Tempe.

He followed up his scintillating debut with a series of fine performances later in the year, including a 74-yard effort against West Virginia and an 87-yard game against the Colorado Buffaloes in the very next game.

Arroyo raved about what he brings to the offense.

"He's done an awesome job going back to last season with the things he did. A guy who really accepts his role and really is a team guy," he said.

In modest fashion, Eusebio prefers to credit others for his success so far.

He gives thanks to head coach Kenny Dillingham for his valuable insight, and says that working with Hines Ward, a former NFL star and now the receivers coach at ASU, has made all the difference.

"He's put me in a great position to be ready for everything, accept my role, be where my feet are at, and to control what I can control."

Eusebio's outlook without Tyson in the picture

Tyson is now gone, drafted eighth overall by New Orleans in April.

Emilee Chinn / Staff

His departure opens the door for Eusebio to shoulder a bigger load in 2026, and he's not shying away from the responsibility.

Ever the consummate teammate, he prefers to speak about how multiple pass-catchers can step up.

"I think all of our receivers are going to be able to get in there and make a splash,” he said. “I think you guys are going to hear a bunch of names."

After winning the Big 12 championship in 2024, ASU suffered a series of setbacks last year, including injuries to Tyson and quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Kelsey Grant / Stringer

Undeterred by a season that didn't exactly go to plan, Eusebio shared his excitement about what's in store for the Sun Devils in 2026.

"I think it will be highly explosive, more than we have in the past. I think it's going to be exciting to watch our offense.

"I think our defense is going to fly around, we're going to play some good ball this year. I think pretty much what we've been playing like in the past."

A message from Eusebio ahead of the Union Jack Classic

For a DAZN audience watching college football live for the first time in the Union Jack Classic at Wembley, Eusebio has a simple pitch.

"There's a lot more passion," he said, before adding, "The atmosphere is usually great everywhere we go.

"We've had some meetings with the fans out here [in the US], and they all plan on going out there.

"My whole family's coming out, so it's going to be sick to experience something like that."

Asked for a score prediction in London, Eusebio didn't hold back.

"I think it's going to be a high score because the offenses are getting to play in a great venue and are going to be excited.

"Let's go 38-28 ASU."

If his prediction holds true and the game is indeed high-scoring, Eusebio figures to play a key role in that effort. Keep your eyes peeled for No. 83 at Wembley.

Tickets to watch the Sun Devils against the Jayhawks in the inaugural Union Jack Classic on Saturday, September 19, can be purchased now via the Union Jack Classic website.