De’Zhaun Stribling Overview
De’Zhaun Stribling is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers and one of the most intriguing young pass catchers from the 2026 NFL Draft. The Kapolei, Hawaii native took a long college route through Washington State, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss before becoming a second-round selection.
The 49ers selected Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick in Round 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the first Ole Miss player selected in the draft and became an important addition to San Francisco’s wide receiver room.
At 6-foot-2 and around 207 pounds, Stribling combines size with impressive straight-line speed. His official NFL Combine 40-yard dash time was 4.36 seconds, helping establish him as one of the faster receivers in the class.
De’Zhaun Stribling Stats
Stribling finished his five-year college career with 216 receptions, 2,964 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns across 56 games. He played 25 games at Washington State, 16 at Oklahoma State and 15 at Ole Miss.
| Season | School | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Washington State | 13 | 44 | 471 | 5 |
| 2022 | Washington State | 12 | 51 | 602 | 5 |
| 2023 | Oklahoma State | 4 | 14 | 198 | 1 |
| 2024 | Oklahoma State | 12 | 52 | 882 | 6 |
| 2025 | Ole Miss | 15 | 55 | 811 | 6 |
| Career | — | 56 | 216 | 2,964 | 23 |
The numbers show a receiver who steadily developed before producing his biggest seasons at Oklahoma State and Ole Miss. Sports-Reference lists 2,964 career receiving yards and a 13.7-yard career average.
2025 Ole Miss Stats
Stribling’s lone season at Ole Miss was his final college campaign. He started all 15 games and recorded 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns.
His 14.7 yards per reception demonstrated his ability to make plays downfield, while his six touchdowns tied for the team lead according to the 49ers’ draft information.
One of his most memorable plays came in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, when he made a late 40-yard fingertip catch that helped set up Ole Miss’ game-winning field goal.
De’Zhaun Stribling NFL Draft
The 49ers drafted Stribling 33rd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. San Francisco traded back from No. 30 to No. 33 and ultimately used the pick on the Ole Miss receiver.
The selection made Stribling the highest-drafted Ole Miss wide receiver since Laquon Treadwell went No. 23 overall in 2016.
NFL.com highlighted his combination of size and speed, along with his hands, route-running ability, ball tracking and run-after-catch potential.
De’Zhaun Stribling 40 Time
Stribling’s official 40-yard dash time is 4.36 seconds.
He also recorded a 10-foot-7 broad jump at the combine, while the 49ers reported a 36-inch vertical jump. Those numbers backed up the explosive athletic profile that attracted San Francisco.
The 4.36 time is particularly notable for a receiver listed at more than 6 feet tall. His speed gives him the ability to threaten defenses vertically while also creating opportunities after the catch.
De’Zhaun Stribling PFF Grade
PFF gave Stribling a 74.7 overall grade for the 2025 college season, ranking him 150th among 679 qualified wide receivers. His PFF receiving grade was 73.4.
PFF’s scouting report praised his physical style, hands, blocking ability and competitive toughness. It also identified route-running nuance and separation as areas where he could continue developing.
That combination makes Stribling an interesting developmental NFL prospect. He does not need to rely solely on raw speed because his physicality and catching ability give him additional ways to win.
De’Zhaun Stribling Preseason
Stribling made an immediate impression in the 49ers’ 2026 preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.
He finished the game with seven receptions for 63 yards on eight targets. His performance included a 32-yard reception and several important third-down catches.
The performance was especially encouraging because Stribling was working with backup quarterbacks during the game. His consistency and ability to find openings helped him stand out among the 49ers’ young receivers.
His preseason debut also strengthened the view that Stribling could have a meaningful role in San Francisco’s offense rather than simply spending his rookie season as a depth player.
Stribling’s Playing Style
Stribling brings several traits that can translate to the NFL.
Size and Speed
At roughly 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds, Stribling has the frame to compete against physical defensive backs. His 4.36 speed adds another dimension to that size.
Strong Hands
PFF specifically highlighted his hands and physicality. He has shown an ability to make difficult catches and track the football downfield.
Run After Catch
Stribling can make defenders miss once the ball is in his hands. NFL.com also pointed to his run-after-catch ability as one of the reasons he fits San Francisco’s offensive approach.
Physical Blocking
His value is not limited to receiving. PFF noted that Stribling competes as a blocker, an important trait in an offense that frequently uses motion, formations and multiple receiver alignments.
De’Zhaun Stribling Ethnicity
Questions about De’Zhaun Stribling’s ethnicity often appear in searches because of his Hawaiian background.
What can be confirmed from official team and college biographies is that Stribling was born in Kapolei, Hawaii, and attended Kapolei High School. The 49ers also describe his Hawaiian roots in their player features.
However, reliable public sources do not clearly document a specific ethnic identity for Stribling. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to assign an ethnicity based on his name, appearance or birthplace alone.
His Hawaiian upbringing is well documented, but that is not the same thing as establishing a particular ethnicity.
Family Background
Stribling’s official 49ers biography identifies his parents as Karlos and Aisha Johnson. His father, Karlos, spent 17 years in the U.S. Marines.
The 49ers’ draft information also notes that his uncle is former professional wrestler Don “The Rock” Muraco.
His family background and Hawaiian upbringing have been an important part of his journey from Kapolei to major college football and eventually the NFL.
Where Did De’Zhaun Stribling Play College Football?
Stribling played college football at three schools:
- Washington State: 2021-2022
- Oklahoma State: 2023-2024
- Ole Miss: 2025
His career totaled 216 catches, 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns.
His transfer journey also gave him experience in multiple offensive systems and conferences before he entered the NFL.
De’Zhaun Stribling’s NFL Future
Stribling enters the NFL with a compelling athletic profile. The 49ers drafted him early in Round 2 because they saw a combination of size, speed, hands and versatility that could eventually make him a major contributor.
His first preseason performance provided another positive signal. Seven catches for 63 yards showed that he can produce when given opportunities, although preseason statistics alone should not be used to predict regular-season production.
For San Francisco, the key question will be how quickly Stribling can turn his physical tools into consistent NFL production. If his route development continues while his speed and contested-catch ability translate, he could become an important part of the 49ers’ passing game.
Final Takeaway
De’Zhaun Stribling has taken an unusual but productive path to the NFL. After starting at Washington State, developing at Oklahoma State and finishing at Ole Miss, he became the No. 33 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
His college résumé includes 216 receptions, 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns, while his 4.36-second 40-yard dash confirms the speed that made him attractive to NFL teams. PFF gave him a 74.7 overall grade for 2025, and his seven-catch preseason debut with San Francisco offered an encouraging first look at his professional potential.
For ethnicity, the reliable record confirms his Hawaiian roots and Kapolei upbringing, but does not establish a specific ethnic identity. As his NFL career develops, his performance—not just his athletic testing—will determine how quickly he becomes a regular contributor for the 49ers.
FAQs
Who is De’Zhaun Stribling?
De’Zhaun Stribling is a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers who played college football at Washington State, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss.
When was De’Zhaun Stribling drafted?
The 49ers selected Stribling with the 33rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What is De’Zhaun Stribling’s 40 time?
Stribling ran an official 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
What are De’Zhaun Stribling’s college stats?
He finished his college career with 216 receptions, 2,964 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.
What were De’Zhaun Stribling’s preseason stats?
In the 49ers’ 2026 preseason opener against Tennessee, he caught seven passes for 63 yards on eight targets.
What is De’Zhaun Stribling’s PFF grade?
PFF gave him a 74.7 overall grade for his 2025 college season and a 73.4 receiving grade.
Where is De’Zhaun Stribling from?
Stribling was born in Kapolei, Hawaii, and attended Kapolei High School.
What is De’Zhaun Stribling’s ethnicity?
His reliable public biographies confirm his Hawaiian roots, but they do not establish a specific ethnicity. It is better not to infer one from his birthplace or name.
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