Colson Yankoff Bio
Colson Yankoff is an American professional football tight end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 1, 2000, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, he played college football for the Washington Huskies and the UCLA Bruins before signing with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds, Yankoff brings a versatile athletic background to the tight end position.
Early Life and Background
Colson Yankoff grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he attended Coeur d’Alene High School. As a senior quarterback in 2017, he led the team to the Idaho state 5A championship game, establishing himself as one of the top high school prospects in the region. His performance under center drew the attention of several college programs, with 247Sports ranking him as the top recruit in the University of Washington’s 2018 signing class.
Coming out of high school, Yankoff was highly regarded for his dual-threat ability as a quarterback and his overall athleticism. His senior season showcase helped solidify his reputation as a player with significant upside, and his commitment to the Huskies was considered a major recruiting victory for the program. The foundation built during his high school years would later prove essential as he transitioned through multiple positions at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
In 2018, Colson Yankoff enrolled at the University of Washington to play college football for the Huskies. He redshirted his freshman year, preserving a year of eligibility while he developed within the program. After the season, he decided to transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles, to play for the UCLA Bruins in search of a better opportunity for immediate playing time.
Yankoff sat out the 2019 season after the Huskies blocked his bid for immediate playing eligibility, forcing him to wait before stepping on the field for UCLA. Once cleared, he transitioned to wide receiver with the Bruins in 2020 and 2021, showcasing his pass-catching skills. In 2022 and 2023, he moved to running back and contributed on special teams, demonstrating the positional versatility that would eventually catch the eye of NFL scouts.
As a student, Yankoff earned a degree in economics and later completed a master’s degree in education, reflecting his commitment to academics alongside athletics. His journey through three different positions at UCLA prepared him for the physical and mental demands of professional football, and his path culminated when he signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Colson Yankoff Career
Early Career (2024)
Colson Yankoff signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, beginning his professional career in the NFL. The opportunity came after his positional flexibility and special teams experience at UCLA made him an intriguing developmental prospect. His path to the active roster required him to prove his value in multiple phases of the game.
As a rookie, Yankoff appeared in six regular season games for the Commanders, logging just six offensive snaps but making a significant contribution on special teams. He played 101 special teams snaps and recorded four tackles during the regular season, demonstrating the kind of toughness and reliability that coaches value in reserve players. His willingness to embrace a physical role on coverage and return units helped him carve out a role on the roster.
Washington Commanders Era (2024–Present)
Yankoff’s rookie season took a difficult turn on November 9, 2024, when he was placed on injured reserve, temporarily halting his development. The setback, however, did not end his season. He returned to the active roster during the playoffs, joining the Commanders for their postseason push and providing depth at the tight end position when it mattered most.
He appeared in both the NFC Wild Card Round and the Divisional Round of the 2024 playoffs, gaining valuable postseason experience as a member of Washington’s roster. Playing in high-stakes games as a rookie offered a significant learning opportunity and further integrated him into the team’s system heading into his second professional season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Colson Yankoff’s game is defined by his positional versatility, having played quarterback, wide receiver, and running back before settling into the tight end role. His special teams contributions, including four tackles as a rookie, highlight a physical, aggressive playing style that complements his pass-catching background. His experience in multiple offensive roles gives him a strong understanding of route concepts and defensive coverages, allowing him to adapt to varied assignments on the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
Signing with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 marked the official start of Colson Yankoff’s NFL career. His return from injured reserve to play in both the NFC Wild Card and Divisional Round games stands out as an early milestone, demonstrating resilience and the trust of the coaching staff. Logging 101 special teams snaps as a rookie underscored his immediate value in the third phase of the game.
Colson Yankoff Career Wins
As a young professional entering only his second season in the NFL, Colson Yankoff is still in the early stages of building his career resume. His contributions to date have come primarily through special teams rather than offensive statistics. Future achievements and accolades will depend on his continued development at the tight end position and expanded role within the Commanders’ offense.
Team Achievements
During the 2024 season, Colson Yankoff was part of a Washington Commanders roster that earned a playoff berth, with the team advancing through the Wild Card Round before being eliminated in the Divisional Round. His participation in those postseason games represented a meaningful achievement in his rookie campaign. Beyond his individual contributions on special teams, his presence on a playoff roster during his first professional season is a notable accomplishment.
Colson Yankoff Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Colson Yankoff was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he developed the athletic foundation that carried him to the University of Washington and UCLA. Public information about his immediate family, including parents and siblings, is limited, and details about his personal relationships remain private. His commitment to education, earning both a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in education, reflects a family environment that valued academic achievement alongside athletic pursuits.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 NFL season, Colson Yankoff will look to build on his rookie experience with the Washington Commanders and expand his role within the team’s tight end rotation. Having played 101 special teams snaps and appeared in six regular season games during his first year, he has established a baseline of reliability that could translate into more offensive opportunities. His experience playing in the 2024 playoffs, including the Wild Card and Divisional rounds, gives him valuable postseason exposure that should accelerate his development.
The 2025 season represents a critical opportunity for Yankoff to demonstrate that his positional versatility, refined through stints at quarterback, wide receiver, and running back, can translate into a more defined role at tight end. With a full offseason of work ahead, he will have the chance to develop stronger chemistry with the Commanders’ quarterbacks and coaching staff. His background as a multisport athlete from Coeur d’Alene suggests the work ethic and adaptability needed to take the next step in his professional career.
Ultimately, Yankoff’s 2025 outlook hinges on his ability to stay healthy, continue contributing on special teams, and carve out a niche in the passing game. As a former top recruit who took the long road to the NFL through multiple colleges and positions, his story is one of perseverance, and the upcoming season will be a key chapter in his continued growth as a professional football player.