ENOUGH TALK, TIME TO ACT: McKay Madsen Believes “No More Excuses” Not to Play for BYU Football
Provo, Utah / June 29, 2025 — Fresh off the historic commitment of five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, BYU’s recruiting board is heating up — and four-star signee McKay Madsen says the time has come to seize the momentum.
In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), the versatile back from Clovis North High School emphatically declared:
> “No more excuses… BYU is the place!!”
A Surge of Confidence
Madsen’s proclamation follows a flurry of program milestones: a first-place finish in recruiting rankings, BYU’s ascension into the Big 12, and back-to-back double-digit win seasons. As Sports Illustrated’s Casey Lundquist notes, “Conference affiliation? No longer a problem… Winning track record? BYU won 11 games in its second year in the Big 12” .
From Finalists to Firm Commitment
After being courted by Oregon and UCLA, Madsen narrowed his decision to BYU—and he’s unapologetically backing his choice. A dual-threat athlete (RB/LB) with size (6’1″, 225 lbs), Madsen promises to add grit and flexibility to BYU’s backfield alongside rising star Lyons .
Deseret News reports that Madsen’s recruitment held deep personal significance: a spiritual calling during official visits, recurring dreams of BYU’s colors, and a strong connection to the program’s faith-driven culture .
“No More Excuses”
That rally cry echoes at every level of BYU’s revival. Head coach Kalani Sitake has repeatedly stated that traditional roadblocks—like conference identity, playoff access, NFL pipeline, and NIL competitiveness—are no longer valid excuses to overlook BYU .
Madsen’s post feels like a battle cry: the perfect blend of confidence, clarity, and conviction at a moment when the program wants to usher in a new era of national competitiveness.
Social Media Buzz
The declaration didn’t go unnoticed. A wave of enthusiastic reactions followed:
SI noted that Madsen’s statement was among “top social media reactions” to the Lyons commitment .
@thehypetrainpod chimed in:
> “We really had the number one basketball player in the country commit… and a 5‑Star QB commit… BYU is going to win.”
Even rival fans threw respectful nods:
> “i made sure to congratulate them on Ryder Lyons.”
What’s Next for Madsen?
Madsen arrives in Provo ready to compete—and serve. Following a two-year LDS mission, he projects to report for fall camp in 2027, energetic and purpose-driven at just 21—well-seasoned beyond his years .
Already touted for his versatility, toughness, and character, he plans to suit up at running back—but remains open to lining up at linebacker in situational packages .
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Why It Matters
Talent meets opportunity: BYU now competes head-on with traditional powerhouses in recruiting—and wins.
Cultural shift: With players like Lyons and Madsen on board, BYU is positioning itself as a national—not just regional—force.
Credibility backed by action: The shift from “talk” to “act” is embodied by Madsen’s bold public stance.
As national attention turns to Provo this summer, the Cougars aren’t just talking about excellence—they’re recruiting it. And with McKay Madsen leading the charge, BYU is signaling loud and clear: no more excuses.
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Bottom line: The era of second-guessing BYU football is officially behind them—and McKay Madsen is its most vocal vanguard.
