The No. 1 Player in BYU & No. 2 Quarterback in the Country, McCae Hillstead, Stuns the Nation by Choosing the Cougars Over SEC Powerhouses
The college football recruiting world was rocked today with a decision that will be talked about for years. McCae Hillstead, the No. 1 player in the state of Utah and ranked as the No. 2 quarterback prospect in the nation, has officially committed to the BYU Cougars.
In a stunning announcement, Hillstead turned down offers from SEC giants Auburn, Florida, and Georgia, choosing instead to stay home and represent his beloved Cougars.
“This is home for me. BYU is where I belong,” Hillstead said during his announcement. “The support, the culture, and the chance to build something special right here in Utah that’s what made the difference.”
Hillstead’s decision is a monumental win for head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff, who have worked tirelessly to keep top in-state talent from leaving for national powerhouse programs. Landing a recruit of this caliber not only boosts BYU’s roster but also cements the Cougars as a legitimate recruiting force in the new era of college football.
Standing tall as a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback with elite arm strength, pinpoint accuracy, and the ability to extend plays with his legs, Hillstead has been compared to some of the top QBs currently making noise in the NFL. Scouts rave about his football IQ, poise under pressure, and leadership qualities that elevate his entire team.
For BYU, this commitment represents more than just adding another star player. It signals a shift in the recruiting landscape. The Cougars aren’t just competing for regional talent anymore — they are winning battles against the best of the SEC.
With Hillstead’s pledge, BYU fans are buzzing about the future. The program is poised to enter a new golden era, fueled by top-tier recruits, national respect, and the momentum that comes with securing one of the most coveted players in the country.
For Hillstead, the choice to stay home reflects loyalty, family, and a vision for what BYU football can become. And for Cougar Nation, this is more than a commitment it’s a statement.
McCae Hillstead could have gone anywhere. But he chose BYU. And that decision may go down as one of the defining moments in the Cougars’ rise to college football prominence.
