With the 2026 outdoor track and field season nearing its end, one Vandal distance runner has steadily carved out a reputation as one of the program’s most reliable and determined competitors. Senior Tyler Graff has emerged as a key figure for Idaho, showcasing consistency, growth and resilience, especially in the demanding 3,000-meter steeplechase.
With years of development behind him and momentum building in his final season, he is proving to be a crucial piece of the Vandals’ distance squad.
Coming from Seattle, Washington, and a graduate of Bishop Blanchet High School, the senior civil engineering major has been building toward this moment since his early running days. Even in high school, he showed promise on the track, finishing fifth in the 1,600 meters at the 2022 Seattle Metro Championships after placing fourth the year prior.
Those performances laid the groundwork for a collegiate career defined by steady improvement and a willingness to take on new challenges.
As a freshman during the 2022–2023 season, he wasted little time making his presence known, competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, a grueling event that combines distance running with barriers and water jumps.
Graff secured a second-place finish at the 2023 Whitworth Twilight and Alumni Meet. That early podium finish signaled his potential and hinted at the success that would follow in later seasons.
Building on that momentum, his sophomore season in 2023–2024 saw him take another step forward. He recorded two third place finishes in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at both the Buc Scoring Invite and the Beach Invitational, continuing to establish himself as a consistent competitor in the event.
His performance throughout the season earned him a spot representing Idaho at the 2024 Big Sky Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championship, an important milestone that reflected his growing role within the program.
By his junior year, Graff began to expand his skill set while continuing to improve in his signature event. During the 2024–2025 season, he earned a second-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Washington State University Cougar Classic, one of his strongest performances to date.
Beyond that, he set multiple personal records across several distances, demonstrating both versatility and a commitment to development. Notably, he also took on the mile for the first time in his collegiate career, showing a willingness to push beyond his comfort zone and contribute in new ways for the team.
His progression is evident when looking at his collegiate personal records. From an 800-meter time of 2:13.10 to a 1,500-meter mark of 4:09.23 and a mile time of 4:37.58, his range as a distance athlete is clear. In longer events, he has posted an 8:57.54 in the 3,000 meters, but it is in the 3,000-meter steeplechase where he truly stands out.
His personal best of 9:22.35 not only represents a significant achievement but also stands as the team’s best mark, underscoring his importance to the Vandals’ distance program.
Now, as a senior, he enters the 2026 season with experience, confidence, and a clear sense of purpose. Having steadily climbed the ranks over the past three years, he is now in a position to lead, both through his performances and his example.
On a more recent note, Graff ran an insane personal record in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing in 9:22.35 seconds. His journey has not been defined by sudden breakthroughs, but rather by consistent effort, incremental progress and a determination to improve each time he steps on the track.
As the season unfolds, expectations will continue to rise. With his proven ability to compete at a high level in the steeplechase and his expanding range across distance events, he has the tools to make a significant impact in the Big Sky Conference.
Whether it’s chasing a conference podium, setting new personal records or helping lead the Vandals in key meets, his presence will be felt.
More than anything, his story reflects the essence of collegiate athletics growth, dedication to craft, and the pursuit of excellence. As he closes out his career at Idaho, Tyler Graff isn’t just competing for results, he’s cementing a legacy built on perseverance and steady progression. And as each race passes, it becomes increasingly clear that his best moments may still lie ahead.