BIG TWIST: Top-Ranked Texas Safety Flips Commitment to BYU in Stunning Move That Shakes Big 12 Recruiting
College football recruiting just witnessed a seismic shift—and BYU is at the epicenter.
In a jaw-dropping development late Friday night, four-star safety Jalen “Jet” Malone, a Texas native and long-time commit to TCU, flipped his commitment to BYU, igniting a firestorm of reactions across the Big 12. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defensive phenom had been a cornerstone of TCU’s 2026 recruiting class… until now.
Malone’s announcement came via a cryptic social media post that simply read: “New mission. Provo bound. #GoCougs 🐾” — and it was enough to send fans, analysts, and rivals into a frenzy.
For weeks, whispers swirled about BYU making a late push, but few believed it would stick. After all, BYU hasn’t traditionally pulled top-tier defensive backs out of Texas. But defensive coordinator Jay Hill and safeties coach Jernaro Gilford worked tirelessly behind the scenes, building trust with Malone’s family and painting a vision of him leading a new era of BYU defense in the Big 12.
One source close to the situation said, “He wanted to be more than just another guy in a stacked roster. At BYU, he’ll be the guy.”
The move is already being called one of the most shocking recruiting flips of the year, especially given BYU’s lack of NIL power compared to Texas schools. But the Cougars offered something else: culture, family atmosphere, and an opportunity to shine immediately.
This is more than just a commitment flip—it’s a statement. BYU isn’t just competing in the Big 12… they’re coming for its future stars.
And with Malone leading the charge, the rest of the conference just got a major wake-up call.
