Isaiah Neyor’s football journey has been anything but predictable. From a relatively under-the-radar prospect to a standout in the Mountain West, a brief stint in the SEC, and eventually a transfer to Nebraska, his career has taken him through multiple systems, styles, and stages. Now, as the Green Bay Packers have officially added him to their roster, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound wide receiver is hoping to prove that his unconventional path was not a detour, but a defining journey. His signing in this late stage of the offseason signals a strategic move by a Packers organization that is methodically retooling its young receiving core for both depth and upside ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Neyor first made waves in college football as a breakout player at the University of Wyoming in 2021. After a quiet freshman season, he exploded during his redshirt sophomore campaign with 878 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. That kind of production immediately caught the eye of Power Five programs, prompting him to enter the transfer portal. Initially, he committed to the University of Tennessee, where expectations were high that he would thrive in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense. But just as quickly as he arrived, injuries derailed his plans. He tore his ACL in the summer of 2022 before ever taking a snap for the Volunteers, forcing him to sit out the entire season. With an eye on rebuilding his career, Neyor transferred again, this time to Nebraska, hoping to regain his footing and prove his worth at the Power Five level.
At Nebraska, Neyor’s time was defined more by promise than production. He showed flashes of his big-play potential but never fully emerged as a dominant force in the Cornhuskers’ offense. Injuries and inconsistent quarterback play made it difficult for him to replicate the magic of his Wyoming days. However, scouts and analysts who followed his career closely have long maintained that Neyor’s combination of size, speed, and ball-tracking ability made him an intriguing prospect worthy of a look at the next level. And now, the Green Bay Packers are giving him that shot.
The Packers’ wide receiver room is already one of the youngest and most dynamic in the NFL. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks each made strides last season, showing varying degrees of upside and production. Still, depth is a perpetual concern in the NFL, and the Packers are wise to continue stockpiling talent with developmental traits. Isaiah Neyor fits that mold perfectly. He is a low-risk, high-upside signing who brings a unique skill set to the table, particularly his vertical ability and knack for winning contested catches.
What makes this move especially strategic for the Packers is the timing. Signing Neyor during the late offseason allows the coaching staff to evaluate him up close during training camp and preseason games without much risk. He’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot, potentially contribute on special teams, or earn a role as a situational deep threat. In a wide-open competition for the back end of the receiving depth chart, Neyor’s blend of size and explosiveness could give him an edge if he can stay healthy and flash the same form he showed at Wyoming.
The Packers have a long history of finding diamonds in the rough at wide receiver. From Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson to Davante Adams and Greg Jennings, Green Bay has consistently developed receivers who weren’t necessarily first-round picks but became key contributors in their system. With Jordan Love now firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback, the Packers are entering a new era. Surrounding him with as many versatile and athletic weapons as possible is a clear organizational priority. Neyor’s addition speaks to that mindset—finding value in overlooked players and giving them a shot to thrive in the right environment.
The situation in Green Bay could be an ideal fit for Neyor. Head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense is predicated on creating mismatches through motion, play action, and spacing. Receivers who can stretch the field vertically are critical in this scheme, and that’s where Neyor’s skillset can shine. His long stride, deceptive speed, and ability to high-point the ball could make him a useful piece in certain offensive packages. If he earns a spot, he could find himself lined up on the outside in three-receiver sets or rotated in during red zone situations where his frame gives him a natural advantage.
One thing that makes Neyor’s journey compelling is how it encapsulates the challenges and uncertainties that define many football careers. He was never a five-star recruit or a high-profile transfer. Instead, he’s had to fight for every opportunity, often under less-than-ideal circumstances. That kind of perseverance is not lost on NFL teams. While statistics and combine numbers matter, so do intangible qualities like resilience, adaptability, and work ethic. Neyor’s story is a testament to all three.
His signing also highlights a broader trend in the NFL—teams mining the transfer portal and mid-major programs for hidden gems. With the rise of the portal, players like Neyor are finding new ways to showcase their talent, even if their path doesn’t follow the traditional blueprint. It’s a reminder that player development isn’t linear. Sometimes, it takes multiple stops, setbacks, and fresh starts to reach the next level. For Neyor, the Packers may represent that long-awaited breakthrough.
Green Bay’s decision to take a chance on him reflects a front office that isn’t afraid to look beyond the surface. General manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff have consistently prioritized athletic traits and developmental potential when filling out the bottom of the roster. While not every gamble pays off, the process is rooted in sound scouting principles—find players with elite tools and put them in a system where those tools can be maximized. Neyor might not be a household name, but he checks a lot of boxes in terms of what the Packers look for in a developmental wideout.
It’s still too early to say whether Isaiah Neyor will make the 53-man roster or end up on the practice squad. But what’s clear is that he’s walking into an opportunity that many players with similar setbacks never get. His job now is to stay healthy, soak up the playbook, and make the most of every rep he gets during camp and preseason. Even a strong showing in limited snaps could open doors down the line, either with Green Bay or another team that takes notice.
Packers fans should keep a close eye on Neyor as training camp progresses. While rookies and established starters often get the most attention, it’s players like him—those fighting for a chance—who often create some of the most compelling storylines of the preseason. If Neyor can recapture even a portion of his 2021 form, he could become a valuable depth piece or even carve out a rotational role by midseason.
At a time when teams are always on the lookout for the next breakout receiver, Isaiah Neyor represents a low-cost investment with potentially high rewards. He’s experienced the highs and lows of college football, battled through injuries, and kept pushing forward. That kind of background gives him a mental toughness that can be crucial in the NFL, especially in a competitive environment like Green Bay.
In a league where speed, size, and skill are always at a premium, Neyor brings all three. The question now is whether he can put it all together at the professional level. The Packers have given him the chance, and sometimes that’s all a player needs. Whether this signing turns into a footnote or the beginning of a comeback story remains to be seen. But for Isaiah Neyor, the opportunity is real, and in the NFL, that’s everything.
