A 6'7" forward from Northwestern High School, Tyler signed to play for Dick Vitale at the University of Detroit.

Tyler averaged a double-double by his sophomore year (17.2 ppg, 11.0 rpg), and the team would produce an unprecedented run during his time with the Titans (1974–1978).

Vitale added future NBA players such as Terry Duerod, John Long and Dennis Boyd and built a dominating independent program at the Jesuit university.

UD advanced to the 1977 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament in his junior year, defeating Middle Tennessee in the first round before losing to Michigan in the Sweet 16 86–81 to end a stellar season, finishing #12 in the polls.

During his time with the Pistons, Tyler would play alongside University of Detroit teammates Duerod, Boyd and Long.