UIL Denies Appeal, Ropes DL Tyson Reyes Ineligible

The UIL State Executive Committee has ruled against Ropes junior defensive lineman Tyson Reyes, denying his eligibility appeal on Monday and upholding an earlier district decision.

Reyes, a standout defender who earned first-team honors on the A-J 2024 small-school Super Team, previously attended Sundown High School. He was dismissed from the program late last spring for multiple violations of the athletic code of conduct. Following that dismissal, his family moved to Ropesville, where Reyes enrolled on July 31.

The District 3-2A Division II Executive Committee, however, determined the transfer was for athletic purposes, making Reyes ineligible for varsity play this season. Plains, Smyer, and Tahoka voted unanimously in favor of the ruling, while district rivals Sundown and Ropes recused themselves.

During testimony, committee members cited statements Reyes reportedly made last season about planning to move to Ropes as a factor in the decision. Despite verification of his family’s new residence, the UIL voted 4-0 to deny his appeal.

Reyes had a breakout sophomore year at Sundown, recording 85 tackles, including 21 for loss, with three sacks and 17 quarterback hurries. His future eligibility remains unclear, with UIL leadership noting rare cases in which students are not granted varsity eligibility at any school.