McKay Madsen’s journey to BYU is one of dedication, faith, and an unwavering commitment to his dream. As a highly sought-after recruit, Madsen had numerous offers from top programs, including Oregon and UCLA, but ultimately, he chose BYU—a decision that wasn’t just about football but about something much deeper [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/22/mckay-madsen-shares-why-he-chose-byu-over-oregon-ucla/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6WmpQb0FQQ0ozZ1FuRkFBbVFYeWMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUVB6OEg2eHdWaExacUdkU2k2NWN5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yMlwvbWNrYXktbWFkc2VuLXNoYXJlcy13aHktaGUtY2hvc2UtYnl1LW92ZXItb3JlZ29uLXVjbGFcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) [B](https://www.si.com/college/byu/recruiting/four-star-byu-commit-mckay-madsen-says-his-college-decision-came-down-to-the-wire?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6WmpQb0FQQ0ozZ1FuRkFBbVFYeWMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUVB6OEg2eHdWaExacUdkU2k2NWN5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9yZWNydWl0aW5nXC9mb3VyLXN0YXItYnl1LWNvbW1pdC1tY2theS1tYWRzZW4tc2F5cy1oaXMtY29sbGVnZS1kZWNpc2lvbi1jYW1lLWRvd24tdG8tdGhlLXdpcmUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### A Recruit in High Demand
Madsen, a four-star athlete, had an impressive high school career, excelling as both a running back and linebacker. His stats spoke for themselves—over 1,200 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a defensive record that made him a force on the field [B](https://www.si.com/college/byu/recruiting/four-star-byu-commit-mckay-madsen-says-his-college-decision-came-down-to-the-wire?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6WmpQb0FQQ0ozZ1FuRkFBbVFYeWMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUVB6OEg2eHdWaExacUdkU2k2NWN5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9yZWNydWl0aW5nXC9mb3VyLXN0YXItYnl1LWNvbW1pdC1tY2theS1tYWRzZW4tc2F5cy1oaXMtY29sbGVnZS1kZWNpc2lvbi1jYW1lLWRvd24tdG8tdGhlLXdpcmUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Naturally, major programs lined up to secure his commitment, offering lucrative opportunities and promising futures. Yet, despite the allure of these offers, Madsen felt a pull toward BYU that he couldn’t ignore.
### The Spiritual Connection
For Madsen, choosing BYU wasn’t just about football—it was about faith and community. He described feeling a growing conviction throughout his recruitment process, a “nagging from the spirit” that BYU was where he needed to be [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/22/mckay-madsen-shares-why-he-chose-byu-over-oregon-ucla/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6WmpQb0FQQ0ozZ1FuRkFBbVFYeWMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUVB6OEg2eHdWaExacUdkU2k2NWN5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yMlwvbWNrYXktbWFkc2VuLXNoYXJlcy13aHktaGUtY2hvc2UtYnl1LW92ZXItb3JlZ29uLXVjbGFcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). While other schools had impressive facilities and strong football programs, BYU stood out for its unique culture, one that aligned with his values and beliefs.
During his time at the Navy All-American Bowl, Madsen reflected deeply on his options. He envisioned himself playing in LaVell Edwards Stadium, wearing Cougar blue, and being part of something bigger than himself [A](https://www.deseret.com/sports/2025/04/22/mckay-madsen-shares-why-he-chose-byu-over-oregon-ucla/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6WmpQb0FQQ0ozZ1FuRkFBbVFYeWMiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiUVB6OEg2eHdWaExacUdkU2k2NWN5IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRlc2VyZXQuY29tXC9zcG9ydHNcLzIwMjVcLzA0XC8yMlwvbWNrYXktbWFkc2VuLXNoYXJlcy13aHktaGUtY2hvc2UtYnl1LW92ZXItb3JlZ29uLXVjbGFcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This spiritual confirmation solidified his decision, making it clear that BYU was the right place for him.
### Turning Down Contracts for a Dream
Madsen’s commitment to BYU meant turning down offers that could have led to financial gain and national recognition. Many athletes in his position might have prioritized contracts and sponsorships, but for Madsen, the decision was about more than money—it was about purpose. He wanted to be part of a program that reflected his values, where he could grow not just as an athlete but as a person.
His choice speaks volumes about his character. In an era where college athletics are increasingly influenced by financial incentives, Madsen’s decision to prioritize faith and personal fulfillment over lucrative deals is rare. It’s a testament to his belief in BYU’s mission and his
