Vaughns attended Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, California.

A five star recruit, Vaughns committed to the University of Southern California (USC) to play college football.

[2][3] After redshirting his first year at USC in 2016, Vaughns played in 14 games and made 10 starts in 2017, recording 57 receptions for 809 yards and five touchdowns.

[4][5][6] As a redshirt sophomore in 2018, he started 11 of 12 games, finishing the season with 58 receptions for 674 yards and six touchdowns.

[16] The Arlington Renegades selected Vaughns in the 10th round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft on January 1, 2023.