GAME-CHANGER ON DEFENSE: BYU Flips Explosive 4-Star Linebacker from Utah in Last-Minute Recruiting Stunner
PROVO, UT — In a jaw-dropping twist that has college football insiders scrambling for answers, Brigham Young University (BYU) has pulled off one of the most dramatic recruiting victories of the 2025 cycle, flipping 4-star linebacker Tavion “Taz” Ricks from bitter in-state rival Utah just hours before National Signing Day.
The 6’2″, 225-pound phenom from Herriman High School had been a solid Utah commit for nearly a year, appearing in Utes gear at local camps and even recruiting other prospects to Salt Lake City. But everything changed in the final 48 hours leading up to his decision. Behind closed doors, BYU’s defensive coordinator Jay Hill and head coach Kalani Sitake made a relentless push, hosting Ricks and his family for a secretive, late-night visit that reportedly “changed everything.”
“It just felt right,” Ricks said at his official announcement ceremony, flanked by teary-eyed parents and proudly donning a navy blue BYU cap. “They didn’t just recruit me to play football—they recruited me to be part of a culture, a brotherhood, something deeper.”
Insiders close to the program say BYU’s pitch focused heavily on Ricks being a cornerstone for their emerging Big 12 defense, and on the opportunity to play early in a revamped linebacker unit. NIL support through the school’s Royal Collective also sweetened the deal, offering a comprehensive package focused on long-term brand-building and academic support rather than flashy cash figures.
“He’s got the speed of a safety, the power of a defensive end, and the mind of a middle linebacker,” Coach Hill told reporters after the announcement. “Taz will be the face of our defense for years to come.”
The loss sent shockwaves through Utah’s fanbase and coaching staff, who were reportedly blindsided by the flip. Ricks had even recorded a commitment video with the Utes before changing course.
Recruiting analysts now place BYU’s 2025 class firmly in the national Top 25, with Taz Ricks considered the centerpiece. For Cougar fans, it’s more than just a recruiting win—it’s a statement of intent.
“This isn’t your father’s BYU,” one insider tweeted. “This is a Big 12 contender making power moves.”
Taz Ricks is expected to enroll early in January and will participate in spring football, where all eyes will be on the newest face of BYU’s defensive future.
