In a monumental shift for BYU football, the Cougars secured a commitment from four-star linebacker McKay Madsen, a standout from Clovis North High School in California. Madsen, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 230 pounds, announced his decision during the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl, choosing BYU over powerhouse programs like Oregon and UCLA .
Madsen’s high school career was nothing short of spectacular. Defensively, he recorded 49 tackles and four interceptions in his senior season. Offensively, he amassed 1,238 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns. His versatility and athleticism have drawn comparisons to NFL star Fred Warner, a former BYU linebacker .
A key factor in Madsen’s decision was BYU’s willingness to recruit him for both linebacker and running back positions. This dual-role opportunity, coupled with the Cougars’ strong family and faith-based culture, resonated deeply with Madsen, who comes from a family with strong ties to BYU .
Madsen is set to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before joining the Cougars for the 2027 season. His commitment not only bolsters BYU’s defense but also signals a growing momentum in the program’s recruiting efforts under head coach Kalani Sitake .
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for BYU, enhancing their defensive prospects and reinforcing their commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.
