In a jaw-dropping development that sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting landscape, five-star quarterback phenom Jaxon “Jet” Carter announced his commitment to Brigham Young University (BYU) for the 2025 season—spurning blue-blood programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and LSU in the process.
The announcement came during a nationally televised press conference held at Carter’s high school in Chandler, Arizona. Wearing a crisp navy suit with a BYU Cougars lapel pin, Carter reached under the table and donned a white BYU cap, stunning fans, analysts, and coaches alike.
“Everyone expected me to follow the traditional path,” Carter said. “But I’m not here to be traditional. I’m here to build something special.”
Carter, widely regarded as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2025 class, stands 6-foot-3, 215 pounds with a cannon arm and 4.48-second 40-yard dash speed. He dazzled scouts at the Elite 11 Finals with pinpoint accuracy, improvisational flair, and a composure beyond his years. In his junior season, he threw for 3,875 yards and 42 touchdowns, adding 915 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, leading Chandler Prep to the state semifinals.
Recruiting analysts had nearly inked Carter to Ohio State, who aggressively pursued him with a full-court press involving former Buckeye legends and NIL packages rumored to exceed seven figures. Georgia, fresh off another College Football Playoff appearance, flew him in twice on private jets. LSU’s Brian Kelly even made an unscheduled in-home visit to pitch Carter on becoming the next Joe Burrow.
Yet, Carter remained unmoved.
Sources close to the Carter family say the quarterback felt an authentic connection with BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick. The staff pitched a vision of a pro-style system tailored to Carter’s strengths, emphasizing character, leadership, and NFL preparation.
BYU’s elevation to the Big 12 Conference also played a critical role, giving Carter a platform to face top-tier opponents while still making history at a program outside the traditional power circle. Coupled with BYU’s emphasis on faith and community, the decision became increasingly clear.
“It wasn’t about money or fame,” Carter’s father, Marcus, a former college QB himself, told reporters. “It was about trust, vision, and legacy.”
The ripple effects were immediate. Social media exploded with reactions, with BYU fans celebrating the biggest commitment in program history. Recruiting services scrambled to re-rank BYU’s class, which now jumps into the national top 10. Carter’s commitment also reignites discussions around the evolving dynamics of recruiting, NIL influence, and the rise of non-traditional powers.
For BYU, it’s not just a win—it’s a statement.
“Jet Carter choosing BYU over college football’s royalty? That’s seismic,” said ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill. “This could change everything in Provo.”
One thing is clear: the eyes of college football will be watching the Cougars in 2025. And with Jet Carter under center, they might just be watching a new dynasty begin.
