In a rare and bold decision, BYU standout A.J. Dybantsa has reportedly turned down a $9 million NIL offer from LSU, choosing to stay with the Cougars. The highly-touted recruit said his commitment to BYU is about more than just football—it’s about faith, team culture, and loyalty to a program that believed in him first.
Dybantsa, considered one of the top prospects in the country, has become a symbol of what many call “old-school values” in today’s high-stakes college sports landscape. In an era where multi-million dollar NIL deals are changing how athletes make decisions, his choice stands out.
“I know who I am, and I know what matters to me,” Dybantsa reportedly said. “BYU gave me a home, and I’m here to finish what I started.”
This move has energized the BYU fan base and drawn praise from around the college football world. Many see it as a statement that heart, faith, and loyalty can still win in a money-driven system.
Dybantsa’s return could be a game-changer for BYU’s upcoming season and a defining moment for the culture of college football.
