ASU’s Malik McClain, Jaren Hamilton continue growth in Jordyn Tyson’s absence

Jordyn Tyson's injury is forcing other receivers to step up. The last two weeks, Malik McClain and Jaren Hamilton have each had a breakout game.

BY ERIC MATSUMOTO

Oct 29, 2025, 5:30 PM Updated: Oct 30, 2025, 12:20 pm

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TEMPE — Jordyn Tyson had 75% of the wide receiver catches for Arizona State prior to being sidelined for a loss against Houston due to a hamstring injury. However, in the past two weeks, the Sun Devils have started to see other receivers stepping up.

In Week 8, Jaren Hamilton only had three catches, but two were explosive. He ended the night with 101 receiving yards, his first time passing the century mark in his career.

The following week, Malik McClain stepped up with Tyson out, hauling in seven passes for a career-high 159 yards.

The stats show two sudden breakout games, but Arizona State wide receivers coach Hines Ward sees these games as success cultivated from the hard work both players have put in.

“I’m with them every day (seeing) the habits they’re learning each and every day, the work ethic that they’re learning each and every day,” Ward said Wednesday. “To finally see it pay off in a game-time situation, it’s a testament to those guys just buying into everything that we’re selling.”

Ward said McClain may have benefitted from home cooking with his mom in town for family weekend, adding he wasn’t totally sure why the sudden difference in performance came.

Both players got off to slow starts this season. McClain only had six catches prior to his Week 9 performance, while also having four drops. Hamilton, on the other hand, didn’t have a single reception in the first four games of the season.

While one game each may not necessarily lead to sustained success, the uncertainty of Tyson’s health could give the two receivers more chances to prove themselves.

“Those guys, all they’ve done is stick their head down, put in the work and just keep grinding on a day-to-day basis,” Ward said. “Opportunities will be there with (Tyson) being out.”

The next opportunity for both players would be when Arizona State (5-3, 3-2 Big 12) takes on Iowa State (5-3, 2-3) on the road.

The game will kick off Saturday at 10 a.m. MST on 98.7 and the Arizona Sports app. It will be televised on TNT.