Tinsley had a long journey to (likely) eventual NFL Draft pick, starting the JUCO route at Hutchinson Community College for two years. He performed well enough to receive multiple scholarship offers from non-P5 programs, eventually selecting Western Kentucky over the likes of Marshall, South Alabama, Ball State and others.
He became a regular part of the Hilltoppers offense from the get-go afterjoining the team in 2020, with 43 receptions for 377 receiving yards and four scores during his first season with the team (Note - WKU was able to play 12 games during the 2020 COVID-shortened season).