A familiar face is set to make a big impact on the University of Wyoming’s football program, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
Jovon Bouknight, one of the most accomplished wide receivers in school history, has been named UW’s full-time wide receivers coach, bringing his extensive experience and deep connection to the program back to his alma mater.
Bouknight, who holds the program record for all-purpose yards (5,921) and kickoff return yards (2,016), initially returned to Wyoming last summer as an analyst before officially joining the coaching staff last month. He was also inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class. Now, he takes on the responsibility of developing the next generation of Cowboy playmakers.
Wyoming has a rich history at the wide receiver position, highlighted by Marcus Harris, the 1996 Biletnikoff Award winner, and Ryan Yarborough, a 2025 College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Bouknight, who played for UW from 2002 to 2005, ranks alongside these legends, finishing his career with 250 receptions for 4,446 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Now, he hopes to pass down his knowledge to the current roster.
“I do think some of the young guys, like Chris Durr Jr. and Jaylen Sargent, are constantly asking, ‘Hey Coach, what was it like (when you played)?’ or ‘What was this guy like?'” Bouknight said. “I do see guys being inquisitive and trying to seek those answers. It’s very rewarding.”
Durr and Sargent are among the young receivers Bouknight will mentor. Durr led Wyoming’s receiving corps last season with 31 receptions for 348 yards and a touchdown, while Sargent added 23 receptions for 480 yards and two scores.
With his experience coaching receivers at Utah State, Texas Tech, Oregon, Kentucky, and Marshall, Bouknight understands what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. Now, he’s focused on refining the Cowboys’ approach.
“The standard has to elevate and be a little bit higher because I know what the hiccups were last year,” Bouknight said. “We know what it is internally, and it’s one of those things where we just have to get better.”
Several players will compete for roles in Wyoming’s receiving corps, including sophomore Bricen Brantley and junior Jaylan Bean. The team also added transfers Jackson Holman (Arizona) and Eric Richardson (Northwest Missouri State), as well as highly regarded freshman Deion DeBlanc, who has enrolled early with hopes of making an immediate impact.
Bouknight’s return to Laramie is about more than coaching—it’s personal.
“Who I was as a receiver, I try to embody into these players,” he said. “These guys are a reflection of me. I know how I coach, I know how I play, so the fine details, the toughness—that’s going to be demanded and required at all times.”
Head coach Jay Sawvel emphasized the value of having former players on the coaching staff.
“You take Bo, you take Brian Hendricks (defensive ends coach), guys that played at Wyoming have an appreciation for this place. They know what it’s like to be a student-athlete here,” Sawvel said. “With Coach Bouknight, I’m excited for him to work with them full time. I know he has got a lot of respect from the players; they all really appreciate him.”
Wyoming will kick off spring practice on March 25, giving Bouknight his first chance to work hands-on with the receivers in his new role. Fans will have the opportunity to see the team in action during Saturday practices, which will be open to the public.
“This Wyoming thing is cemented in me right now,” Bouknight said. “It runs through my veins.”
