Grand Junction native Ky Oday Jr. is playing his final college football season as a wide receiver for Colorado Mesa University this fall, returning to the university where his father, Ky Oday Sr., was a star player. Oday Jr. scored his first touchdown as a Maverick on Saturday, Sept. 19, an 8-yard run at Stocker Stadium during the team’s 31-17 loss to Western Colorado. His parents, both CMU graduates, were in the stands to witness the moment.
Oday Jr. relayed to his father his decision to suit up for the Mavericks, stating, “I grew up a Mav, I’ve been a Mav this whole time.” Oday Sr. expressed surprise and happiness for his son, according to the younger Oday.
The return to Grand Junction brings Oday Jr. back to his hometown and the program his father helped establish. He grew up deeply connected to the "Maverick scene," attending games as a child and practicing in the university's auxiliary gym. He noted that his parents both earned degrees from CMU, and his father coached there for a period, making his return a surreal experience.
Ky Oday Sr. moved to Mesa County in elementary school and remained in the area, becoming a star wideout at Grand Junction High School before excelling at then-Mesa State College. In his sophomore season, Oday Sr. was named an all-conference receiver, achieving 50 catches for nearly 800 yards and 13 touchdowns. His collegiate success led him to play Division I football at Utah State and later a brief career in the Arena Football League. After his playing days concluded, he returned to Grand Junction to raise his family.
Ky Oday Jr.'s own football journey began with a stellar freshman year at Grand Junction High School. The family made the decision to move him to the Front Range to attend Cherry Creek High School in Denver, seeking better coaching and recruiting opportunities under coach Dave Logan. At Cherry Creek, Oday Jr. blossomed, contributing to three consecutive state football titles and winning a 5A 400-meter state title in track in 2021 with a school-record time. He was ranked as the 11th-best college football prospect in Colorado for his 2022 graduating class by On3, earning Division I offers from Northern Colorado, Wyoming, and the Air Force Academy.
He began his collegiate career at Colorado State in Fort Collins, where he redshirted after undergoing surgery during his lone season under first-year head coach Jay Norvell. Oday Jr. then transferred to FCS power South Dakota State in Brookings, South Dakota, where he faced two additional surgeries and played sparingly across three seasons. These challenges led him to enter the transfer portal again, ultimately bringing him to Mesa County this spring for his final season.
Reflecting on his return, Oday Jr. has observed changes in Grand Junction. “The town has grown quite a bit,” he said, adding that it “changed for the better, for sure.” He has embraced the local outdoor lifestyle, enjoying activities like floating the river, hiking in the Monument, and completing Mount Garfield for the first time. He recalled only making it halfway up the landmark when he was younger.
In five games with the Mavericks this season, Oday Jr. has made his presence felt, securing three passes in a game twice. He demonstrated his receiving prowess by pulling in two touchdown passes in the Mavericks' 42-23 road victory over Eastern New Mexico in early September. The team has navigated quarterback changes this season, rotating between Liu Aumavae and Cole Hansen, but Oday Jr. has proven to be a reliable target when called upon. As Colorado Mesa enters the latter half of its season, Oday Jr. is expected to continue playing a significant role in the passing game, with extended family and alumni anticipated to attend upcoming games.
