🌟 Historic Commitment: BYU Secures California’s McKay Madsen as First All‑American‑Bowl LB Commit

🌟 Historic Commitment: BYU Secures California’s McKay Madsen as First All‑American‑Bowl LB Commit

In a momentous first, McKay Madsen, a 4-star linebacker from Clovis North High School in California, made history by becoming the first player selected at the prestigious All‑American Bowl to commit to BYU, choosing the Cougars over powerhouse programs like Oregon and UCLA .

🏈 The Historic Moment

Madsen stepped into the spotlight at the 2025 All‑American Bowl—an elite showcase featuring America’s top high school seniors—and stunned fans when he donned BYU’s cap during halftime. This marked the first time a participant in this high-profile event committed to the Cougars. His decision wasn’t just a win for BYU—it signaled a breakthrough in recruiting, showing the program can now compete with national leaders on major stages .

🌟 Why It Matters

First-of-its-kind: No BYU recruit before had committed during the All‑American Bowl broadcast—a key moment that amplified BYU’s national footprint.

Beating the Big Names: He turned down offers from elite West Coast programs (Oregon, UCLA) and dozens of others to join BYU.

Versatility & Talent: A standout two-way player, Madsen racked up over 1,200 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns as a senior, and added 49 tackles with four interceptions on defense .

🙌 What’s Next

Madsen will serve a traditional two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before enrolling at BYU in 2027. Once on campus, his athleticism and experience promise immediate impact—whether he starts at linebacker or running back .

Bottom Line: McKay Madsen didn’t just pick BYU—he elevated the program’s recruiting profile overnight, proving that elite athletes from California are now watching Provo just as closely as the Power Five.