In a stunning turn of events, Brigham Young University (BYU) football has secured one of the most coveted recruits in the nation, 5-star wide receiver Luther Burden III. Burden, who was previously committed to the University of Alabama, shocked the college football world by decommitting from the Crimson Tide and flipping his commitment to BYU. The decision also ends a prolonged recruitment battle with Texas, another powerhouse school vying for the Missouri native’s services.

Burden, a dynamic playmaker out of East St. Louis, Illinois, has been widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the 2025 recruiting class. His combination of size, speed, and hands has made him a standout in high school football, drawing comparisons to some of the top wideouts in recent memory. His commitment to BYU represents not only a significant win for the Cougars but a rare upset in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting.

The move sends shockwaves through the SEC and Big 12, particularly to Alabama and Texas, who were considered the frontrunners for Burden’s commitment. BYU’s coaching staff, led by head coach Kalani Sitake, has worked tirelessly to create an environment that appeals to top-tier recruits, and this victory marks a major step forward in the program’s national profile.

Burden’s decision to join BYU is also seen as a major step for the school in establishing itself as a legitimate contender on the national stage, particularly with the program set to compete in the Big 12. Fans and analysts alike are now eagerly anticipating how the talented wide receiver will contribute to the Cougars’ offense in the coming years.