Kinston QB Tyler Jones signs with Mars Hill

Jones led the state in passing touchdowns and yards this season

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After a standout senior season that saw him throw for 58 touchdowns and 4,424 passing yards, Kinston quarterback Tyler Jones has committed to play at Division II Mars Hill University just north of Asheville, North Carolina.

Why it matters

Jones' impressive stats and leadership helped guide Kinston to the state championship game, showcasing his talent and potential to play at the next level. His decision to attend Mars Hill, a smaller Division II program, highlights how top high school players don't always choose the biggest schools and how strong academic and athletic programs at lesser-known colleges can attract top talent.

The details

In his senior season, Jones led the state of North Carolina in both passing touchdowns (58) and passing yards (4,424) as he guided Kinston to the state championship game. Mars Hill, a Division II program, is located about a five-hour drive north of Kinston and Jones said he felt at home on the campus and was welcomed by the community.

  • Jones finished the 2025 high school football season with his impressive stats.
  • On February 12, 2026, Jones announced he would be attending and playing football at Mars Hill University.

The players

Tyler Jones

The standout quarterback from Kinston High School who led the state in passing touchdowns and yards during his senior season.

Mars Hill University

A Division II college located north of Asheville, North Carolina that Tyler Jones has committed to play football for.

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What they’re saying

“When I got there, everyone welcomed me with open arms. It felt like home immediately, everybody treated me like family up there. It was just a great fit.”

— Tyler Jones (witn.com)

What’s next

Jones will enroll at Mars Hill University in the fall of 2026 and begin his college football career with the Division II program.

The takeaway

Tyler Jones' decision to attend a smaller Division II school like Mars Hill, rather than a larger Division I program, shows how top high school talent can be attracted to colleges that provide a strong academic and athletic environment, even if they aren't the biggest names in college sports.