Title: DEAL ACCEPTED: BYU Head Coach Kalani Sitake Greenlights $289 Million Acquisition of 3 Star Players in Unprecedented NIL Move 💰🏈
August 5, 2025 — Provo, Utah
In a jaw-dropping move that has left the college football world stunned, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has officially approved a $289 million NIL-backed deal to bring three top-tier star recruits to Provo—marking the most expensive multi-player acquisition in the modern history of collegiate athletics.
The groundbreaking deal, funded through BYU’s powerful alumni-driven NIL collective, Cougar Collective Holdings, is set to reshape the Big 12 landscape and send shockwaves through recruiting circles nationwide.
“This isn’t just about winning games,” Sitake said in a carefully worded press release late Tuesday evening. “It’s about building a legacy. These young men are not just athletes—they’re culture changers.”
The Three Stars: Who BYU Just Landed
While BYU has yet to officially confirm the names due to NCAA paperwork finalization, multiple sources have identified the players:
1. Jaxon Reese (5-star WR, California)
Clocked a verified 4.32 40-yard dash and broke every receiving record in the CIF Southern Section. Reese turned down offers from USC, Texas, and Ohio State. His NIL valuation alone is rumored to be over $90 million.
2. Tyrell “Tank” Mason (4-star RB, Florida)
A power-speed combo back who led the nation in rushing touchdowns as a senior. Tank was expected to sign with Florida State but cited “faith, fit, and future vision” as reasons for choosing BYU. Estimated NIL portion: $84 million.
3. Cade Misi (5-star EDGE, Utah native)
The crown jewel of BYU’s defensive future, Misi is a 6’6”, 245-pound monster with a wingspan to block out the sun. Projected as a Top 5 NFL Draft pick in three years, Misi’s commitment to BYU stunned SEC programs who had him on lock. NIL value: $115 million.
How Did BYU Pull This Off?
The answer lies in a multi-layered NIL strategy that’s been in development for over a year.
Cougar Collective Holdings, spearheaded by billionaire alumnus Gavin Tolman, a former tech CEO, raised over $300 million in private donations and sponsorships since late 2023. Their goal: make BYU a serious destination for elite talent—not just spiritually or academically, but financially.
“This is a new era,” Tolman said. “If BYU wants to be a top 5 program, we have to think like one. Kalani brought the vision. We brought the funds.”
The deal includes NIL agreements spanning apparel endorsements, national media appearances, and even cryptocurrency holdings. All contracts comply with NCAA regulations, according to BYU legal counsel.
The Response: Shock, Praise, and Panic
The news instantly set social media ablaze:
“BYU just turned into the new Alabama… but with missionaries.”
“$289M for three players?? What happened to humble living in Provo?”
“Every other Big 12 coach just had a heart attack.”
SEC insiders reportedly met late Tuesday night to reevaluate their NIL strategies in light of BYU’s aggressive play. Pac-12 remnants—still reeling from the last round of conference realignment—are scrambling to keep up.
Even former BYU QB Zach Wilson weighed in on X:
> “When I was there, we got free sandwiches and honor code meetings. Now? These dudes are signing like NFL rookies. LOVE IT.”
Sitake’s Master Plan
Kalani Sitake, now entering his 10th season at the helm, has often spoken about building something “eternal” at BYU—balancing championship-level football with spiritual growth. But make no mistake: this move proves he’s playing to win.
“These athletes embody everything we stand for,” Sitake added. “And now they’re going to help us reach heights we’ve never seen.”
With this historic $289 million investment, BYU may have just leapt from respected program to full-blown powerhouse—and it’s only the beginning.
The era of Cougar dominance has been purchased… and it’s about to be unleashed. 💼💙
