Keayen Nead’s recruitment journey has taken another unexpected turn, as the former Weber State and New Mexico tight end has decided to decommit from BYU. His decision comes after previously committing to the Cougars, marking a significant shift in his plans for the upcoming season.
Nead’s football career has been one of steady progression. After playing two seasons at Weber State, where he recorded 16 receptions for 88 yards and one touchdown, he transferred to New Mexico in December. His time at New Mexico was promising, as he was projected to be a starter and was recognized as one of the best blockers in the team’s tight end room [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/unm-football-notebook-lobos-lose-030400898.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvdW5tLWZvb3RiYWxsLW5vdGVib29rLWxvYm9zLWxvc2UtMDMwNDAwODk4Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, his stay was short-lived, as he entered the transfer portal again during the spring window, citing a desire to maximize his opportunities [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/unm-football-notebook-lobos-lose-030400898.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvdW5tLWZvb3RiYWxsLW5vdGVib29rLWxvYm9zLWxvc2UtMDMwNDAwODk4Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
BYU had identified tight end as a position of need following spring camp, leading them to pursue Nead. His connection to the program was strong—his uncle, Spencer Nead, played for BYU before moving on to the NFL [B](https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/byu_football_offers_new_mexico_transfer_tight_end_keayen_nead/s1_16604_42085180?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9uZmxcL2FydGljbGVzXC9ieXVfZm9vdGJhbGxfb2ZmZXJzX25ld19tZXhpY29fdHJhbnNmZXJfdGlnaHRfZW5kX2tlYXllbl9uZWFkXC9zMV8xNjYwNF80MjA4NTE4MCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, Nead had served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints before enrolling at Weber State, further strengthening his ties to BYU [B](https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/byu_football_offers_new_mexico_transfer_tight_end_keayen_nead/s1_16604_42085180?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9uZmxcL2FydGljbGVzXC9ieXVfZm9vdGJhbGxfb2ZmZXJzX25ld19tZXhpY29fdHJhbnNmZXJfdGlnaHRfZW5kX2tlYXllbl9uZWFkXC9zMV8xNjYwNF80MjA4NTE4MCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His commitment to the Cougars seemed like a natural fit, but his recent decision to decommit has left many wondering about his next move.
New Mexico’s head coach, Jason Eck, expressed surprise and disappointment at Nead’s decision to re-enter the portal, questioning whether it was the best move for his career [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/unm-football-notebook-lobos-lose-030400898.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvdW5tLWZvb3RiYWxsLW5vdGVib29rLWxvYm9zLWxvc2UtMDMwNDAwODk4Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Eck noted that Nead had been running with the first-team offense during spring camp and had the potential to create more value for himself by staying another season [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/unm-football-notebook-lobos-lose-030400898.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvdW5tLWZvb3RiYWxsLW5vdGVib29rLWxvYm9zLWxvc2UtMDMwNDAwODk4Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Despite this, Nead felt that he had left opportunities on the table when he initially entered the portal and wanted to explore his options further [A](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/unm-football-notebook-lobos-lose-030400898.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvdW5tLWZvb3RiYWxsLW5vdGVib29rLWxvYm9zLWxvc2UtMDMwNDAwODk4Lmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
With two years of eligibility remaining, Nead’s next destination remains uncertain. His size and skill set make him an attractive prospect for programs looking to strengthen their tight end position. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 250 pounds, he has been ranked among the top 50 highest-graded run-blocking tight ends in Division I football [B](https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/byu_football_offers_new_mexico_transfer_tight_end_keayen_nead/s1_16604_42085180?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiWVlOalZhMWplVDlOZ3REWDV3ZHpiIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnlhcmRiYXJrZXIuY29tXC9uZmxcL2FydGljbGVzXC9ieXVfZm9vdGJhbGxfb2ZmZXJzX25ld19tZXhpY29fdHJhbnNmZXJfdGlnaHRfZW5kX2tlYXllbl9uZWFkXC9zMV8xNjYwNF80MjA4NTE4MCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability to contribute both as a blocker and a receiver makes him a valuable asset.
As the spring transfer window nears its close, Nead will need to make a decision soon. Whether he finds a new home or chooses to return to one of his previous programs, his journey highlights the complexities of college football recruitment. The transfer portal has given players more flexibility in shaping their careers, but it also presents challenges in finding the right fit.
For BYU, Nead’s decommitment means they will need to continue searching for depth at the tight end position. His departure leaves questions about the team’s plans moving forward, but it also opens the door for other players to step up and fill the gap.
Nead’s reconsideration is a reminder that in college football, decisions are rarely final until the player steps onto the field. His next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
