OREM, Utah – Utah Valley first baseman CJ Colyer has signed a professional contract with the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League. 

Colyer capped the 2025 season hitting .309 with eight home runs and 36 RBIs, providing a consistent power presence in the Wolverines' lineup. 

"CJ had an incredible season for us," said UVU head coach Nate Rasmussen. "We're very fortunate he chose us in the portal and helped us reach new heights. This is another step forward for him—he's earned it." 

He was named to the WAC All-Tournament Team after driving in eight runs over four games, including a pivotal ninth-inning home run on May 22 that lifted UVU past Abilene Christian in the conference tournament. 

Throughout the season, Colyer drove in four runs in three separate games—against Northern Colorado, Grand Canyon and Abilene Christian—and recorded three hits in five contests, including matchups with GCU, California Baptist, Tarleton State and Utah, all among the toughest pitching staffs on the schedule. 

Colyer began his collegiate career at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he played four seasons. In 2024, he led NCAA Division III with 23 home runs and was named Northwest Conference Player of the Year. The Gilroy, California, native also earned national recognition as a Preseason All-American, Second Team All-American, and a two-time All-Conference and All-Region selection for the Boxers. 

He now joins former Wolverine Patrick Mills on the Billings Mustangs, who compete in the Pioneer League—a professional partner league that includes teams from California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Utah. Billings is currently 13–20 and in eighth place in the league. The Mustangs have signed several UVU players in recent years, including current UVU assistant coach Mitch Moralez, who spent two seasons with the club. 

Colyer will wear No. 45 for the Mustangs and is expected to be available for tonight's game (June 27) against the first-place Missoula PaddleHeads. 

UVU's Active Professional Players

Paxton Schultz – Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
Casey Anderson – Arizona Diamondbacks, Hillsboro (High-A) 
Mitch Mueller – Minnesota Twins, FCL Twins 
Drew Sims – Glacier Range Riders (Pioneer League) 
Patrick Mills – Billings Mustangs (Pioneer League) 
Garrett Broussard – Windy City ThunderBolts (Frontier League) 
Calyn Halvorson – Gateway Grizzlies (Frontier League) 
Cole Jordan – Ogden Raptors (Pioneer League) 
CJ Colyer - Billings Mustangs (Pioneer League)