The nation’s top high school football talent, five-star quarterback Malik Thompson, shocked fans, pundits, and blueblood programs nationwide when he revealed his pledge to the BYU Cougars in one of the most surprising turns of the 2025 recruitment season. From Cedar Hill, Texas, Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat sensation, rejected offers from Tennessee, LSU, Arizona State, Texas Tech, and Penn State, among others, and instead picked BYU.
His choice rocked the collegiate football scene, establishing BYU as a legitimate contender on the national scene and maybe indicating a change in recruiting dominance.
When Thompson made his announcement, he stated, “This was never about going where everyone expected.” It was about following my calling. BYU felt like home because of the coaching staff, the atmosphere, and the faith.
Both Tennessee and LSU had been actively recruiting Thompson for almost two years, and recruiting experts had long predicted that he would be a near lock for either school. Over the past year, Tennessee hosted Thompson on three trips, while LSU’s Brian Kelly even made several in-home visits. Penn State made a strong effort with NIL opportunities and national exposure in the Big Ten, but Texas Tech had the regional pull.
However, Thompson ultimately came to trust offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick and head coach Kalani Sitake of BYU. Their idea of creating a curriculum based on his abilities and the university’s religious atmosphere turned out to be the difference.
Chris Singletary, an analyst for 247Sports, declared, “This is the biggest recruiting victory in BYU football history — full stop.” They simply defeated the best players in the nation from the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 conferences. That doesn’t occur unless Provo is experiencing a unique development.
The college football community responded quickly and dramatically. On social media, BYU supporters were ecstatic, while rival fan bases were incredulous. The move was dubbed “a game-changer” by national pundits for the Cougars as well as for the way non-traditional powers are generally viewed.
Thompson’s dedication helps BYU’s 2025 class place in the top 10 nationally, which has never happened for the Cougars since they joined the Big 12. In addition to drawing in other elite recruits with his explosive play, the quarterback is anticipated to draw quick attention to the program.
After making his announcement, Thompson stated, “Now we build,” in a post on X (previously Twitter). “Let’s startle everyone.”