De'Zhaun Striblingdidn't take the easy path to the NFL. Three colleges. Five seasons. A family name tied to professional wrestling. Now he's a San Francisco 49er, drafted 33rd overall in 2026.
TheStribling football playerstory is about persistence as much as talent. He climbed from a three-star recruit at Washington State to a starting role with one of the NFL's most creative offenses.
His rookie debut ended early with an ankle injury. That's a tough break for a player who earned his spot. But the tape shows why the 49ers invested a premium pick in him. Here's what you need to know about De'Zhaun Stribling.
Early Life and Family Background
De'Zhaun Striblinggrew up in Hawaii. He's a native Hawaiian, which explains the "De'Zhaun" name and his physical style of play. He was a three-star recruit in the 2021 class. Not a five-star phenom. Not a household name. Just a talented kid with size and speed.
Read Also:NFL Training Camp Battles: Key Position Fights to Watch in 2026
His family has a wrestling connection. Stribling is the nephew of WWE Hall of Famer Don "The Rock" Muraco. That's a fun fact. But it doesn't explain his football ability. Stribling built that himself through hard work and transfers.
TheDe Zhaun Stribling ethnicityquestion comes up often. He's Native Hawaiian. That background shapes his physical, competitive approach to the game.
College Career: Three Schools, Steady Growth
Stribling played for three programs. He started at Washington State in 2021 and 2022. Then transferred to Oklahoma State for 2023 and 2024.
He finished at Ole Miss in 2025. The numbers show consistent improvement:
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Yards | TD | Yards/Rec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Washington State | 13 | 44 | 471 | 5 | 10.7 |
| 2022 | Washington State | 12 | 51 | 602 | 5 | 11.8 |
| 2023 | Oklahoma State | 4 | 14 | 198 | 1 | 14.1 |
| 2024 | Oklahoma State | 12 | 52 | 882 | 6 | 17.0 |
| 2025 | Ole Miss | 15 | 55 | 811 | 6 | 14.7 |
| Career | 56 | 216 | 2,964 | 23 | 13.7 |
Data source:Sports-Reference.com
His 2024 season at Oklahoma State was his statistical peak. He averaged 17 yards per catch and gained 882 yards. That production caught NFL scouts' attention. His 2025 season at Ole Miss proved he could compete in the SEC.
He saved his best for the biggest stage. In Ole Miss's College Football Playoff game against Georgia, Stribling caught seven passes for 122 yards.
He converted a crucial 40-yard reception on third down with 32 seconds left, setting up the game-winning field goal. That's the kind of play that gets you drafted.
NFL Draft Profile and Scouting Report
The 49ers selected Stribling with the 33rd overall pick. That's the first pick of the second round. San Francisco had a clear plan for him.His physical tools jump off the page:
-
Height:6-foot-2
-
Weight:207-210 pounds
-
40-yard dash:4.36 seconds
-
Vertical jump:36 inches
-
Broad jump:10 feet, 7 inches
Testing data from NFL Combine
That size-speed combination is rare. Stribling ran a 4.36 at his size. That's elite speed for a big receiver.
Where He Wins
Scouts loved his ability to stretch the field. Bleacher Report's scouting report praised his "long-strider" style that "eats up cushion quickly versus off-man coverage".
He tracks the ball well downfield. He high-points catches. He's a three-level threat who can win on deep routes, intermediate cuts, and quick passes.
You Must Also Like:2026 NFL Draft Order: Full Round 1 Results and Day 2 Mock Predictions
His run blocking stands out too. 247Sports called him "one of the most competitive run blockers in the WR class". Kyle Shanahan's offense demands receivers who block. Stribling fits that mold.
Areas of Improvement
No prospect is perfect. Scouts flagged his short-area quickness. He struggles to separate underneath against patient cornerbacks. He needs to get stronger at the catch point.
Physical defenders can out-battle him for contested balls.His route-running needs polish. He relies on build-up speed rather than instant acceleration. That gives defensive backs time to react.
These are fixable issues. The 49ers' coaching staff has a track record of developing receivers.
Why the 49ers Drafted Him?
San Francisco didn't pick Stribling by accident. Kyle Shanahan saw a player who fit his system. The 49ers value run blocking, yards after catch, and downfield threat ability. Stribling checks all three boxes.
There's another layer to this story. Shanahan mentioned hearing "rumors in league circles" that some teams had Stribling as their top-rated receiver.
He received texts from other teams expressing disappointment after San Francisco took him at 33. That's a strong signal. The 49ers got a player other teams wanted.
Rookie Season and Injury Update
Stribling's NFL debut ended early. During the 49ers' season opener against the Rams, he suffered an ankle injury. The initial concern was an Achilles injury because the play was non-contact.
Kyle Shanahan confirmed the good news after the game. Stribling's Achilles was intact. The injury was to his ankle. He was carted off and ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Before the injury, Stribling had earned meaningful snaps. He impressed during the preseason with 11 catches for 109 yards. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky predicted Stribling would become the 49ers' "go-to wide receiver pass catcher".
The injury is a setback. The severity remains unclear. He'll undergo further evaluation.
What Makes Him Valuable?
Stribling brings a specific skill set to San Francisco. He's a vertical threat who can win outside. His 4.36 speed forces safeties to respect the deep ball. That opens up the middle of the field for teammates.
His run blocking matters in Shanahan's offense. The 49ers run the ball heavily. Receivers who block keep drives alive. Stribling embraces that role.
His yards-after-catch ability adds another dimension. For a big receiver, he moves well in space. He makes defenders miss.
The comparison to Romeo Doubs makes sense. Both are big-bodied receivers who win with physicality and downfield tracking. Doubs became a reliable starter. Stribling has similar upside.
The Final Thoughts
Stribling's rookie season faces uncertainty. The ankle injury could cost him time. The 49ers have depth at receiver with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Demarcus Robinson. But Stribling earned his opportunities. He'll get another shot when healthy.
The long-term outlook remains bright. The 49ers invested a premium pick. He has the physical tools. He has the work ethic. He has the coaching staff to maximize his potential.
His college journey proves he can adapt. Three schools. Different offenses. Steady improvement every year. That resilience will serve him well in the NFL.
TheDe Zhaun Stribling NFL Draftstory is just the beginning. The real story unfolds on Sundays. If his college tape translates, the 49ers found a steal at pick 33.
