Bott Mulitalo’s Recruiting Twist: From Oregon to BYU to Notre Dame
In the ever-dramatic world of college football recruiting, few stories capture the unpredictability and emotion of the process like Bott Mulitalo’s. The highly touted four-star linebacker from Southern California stunned fans and recruiters alike with a series of commitment changes that ultimately led him to pledge allegiance to Notre Dame—his third commitment in under a year.
Mulitalo, a dominant presence on the field known for his sideline-to-sideline speed and football IQ, first burst onto the national recruiting radar during his junior year. His performances caught the attention of numerous Power Five programs, including Oregon, USC, BYU, and Notre Dame. In early 2024, Mulitalo announced his commitment to the University of Oregon, citing their defensive scheme and West Coast proximity as key factors.
However, just months later, Mulitalo decommitted from Oregon, surprising many in the Ducks’ fanbase and coaching staff. Rumors swirled about a renewed interest in staying closer to his family and faith. This led to his second commitment—this time to BYU, a school deeply tied to his religious and cultural roots. Mulitalo spoke publicly about the comfort he felt with the Cougar coaching staff, the support system in Provo, and the alignment of BYU’s values with his own.
Yet the story didn’t end there.
In a move few anticipated, Mulitalo reopened his recruitment once again this spring. While some speculated the linebacker was overwhelmed by the process, others suggested Notre Dame had continued to recruit him hard behind the scenes. In April 2025, Mulitalo shocked the recruiting world for a third time—committing to Notre Dame. He cited the program’s storied tradition, elite academics, and defensive pedigree as key reasons for the switch.
“Notre Dame just felt like the complete package,” Mulitalo said in a statement. “The culture, the coaching staff, the opportunity to develop not just as a player but as a man—it was everything I was looking for.”
Notre Dame fans and coaches rejoiced at the news. Mulitalo’s commitment is a major boost to their 2025 recruiting class, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Analysts praise his versatility, physicality, and leadership qualities, projecting him as an early contributor in South Bend.
Meanwhile, Oregon and BYU are left to regroup, though both schools are expected to remain active in the linebacker market. Recruiting experts point out that while such twists and turns are common in today’s NIL- and transfer-driven landscape, Mulitalo’s journey is a clear example of how emotional, spiritual, and long-term personal goals increasingly factor into athletes’ decisions.
As National Signing Day approaches, all eyes will remain on Mulitalo—not just for his on-field potential, but for how his story reflects the new era of college football recruiting. His final destination may have taken some time to reach, but Notre Dame seems to have landed a player with both talent and conviction.
