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BYU lands 4-Star recruit McKay Madsen at All-American Bowl, despite 247 Crystal Ball projections

McKay Madsen, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound athlete from Clovis North High School in California, surprised the recruiting world by committing to BYU over Oregon and UCLA during the All-American Bowl on Saturday, broadcast on NBC.

Heading into the weekend, multiple Crystal Ball experts had projected Madsen to choose Oregon. However, he ultimately decided on BYU, telling NBC, “Family is everything, and faith is even more important. I want to continue my education at a school that respects that and lets me live it every day."

While Madsen has primarily been recruited as a linebacker at the collegiate level, a key factor in his commitment to BYU was their willingness to continue recruiting him as a running back. This past season, he racked up over 1,200 yards on 8.8 yards per carry and scored 19 rushing touchdowns.

Madsen is BYU’s highest-rated recruit in the class of 2025, which is currently ranked 66th overall, according to 247Sports.

He plans to leave this summer to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delaying the start of his college football career until the 2027 season.