BYU has scored a major win on the recruiting trail, securing a commitment from four-star wide receiver Blake Wong for the 2027 class. Wong chose BYU over some heavy hitters, including Ohio State, Oregon, UCLA, and Utah. This decision comes on the heels of his recent visit to Ohio State, with prior visits to Oregon, Utah, and UCLA also in the books.
The Cougars' unique recruiting approach clearly resonated with Wong, who was their top priority at wide receiver for months. This isn't the first time BYU's wide receivers coach, Fesi Sitake, has managed to outmaneuver bigger programs to land top-tier talent, and Wong's commitment continues that trend.
Wong, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attended a BYU devotional in Southern California last month, which likely played a role in solidifying his decision. Beyond his five finalists, Wong had offers from other notable programs like Arizona State, Michigan State, Purdue, Washington, Washington State, and San Diego State.
Watching Wong's highlight reel, it's easy to see why top programs were vying for his talents. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 180 pounds, he combines size with agility and speed, making him a formidable presence on the field.
But what really sets him apart are his balance and hands. Wong's balance allows him to run precise routes and make adjustments mid-air, turning contested catches into routine plays.
His knack for making difficult over-the-shoulder grabs makes him a reliable target in any situation.
Wong's junior year at Norco High School was nothing short of spectacular. He shattered several school records, racking up 1,469 yards and averaging 147 receiving yards per game. His 20 receiving touchdowns set a new benchmark, and he also set a single-game record with 280 receiving yards against Murrieta Valley High School, his former school.
As just the second offensive player to commit to BYU's 2027 class, Wong joins running back Ezra Sanelivi. The hope is that Wong's commitment will spark a chain reaction, encouraging other top targets to join the Cougar ranks. With Wong in the fold, BYU looks poised to make a significant impact in the recruiting landscape over the coming weeks.
In Other News...
BYU May Be Losing A Crucial Edge In Building Its 2027 Class
A new NCAA eligibility clock could end up changing more than just roster bookkeeping for BYU. The rule shifts the five-year window to an age-based system, starting when a player enrolls before his 19th birthday, with a birthday-based backstop and an exception for missionary service. For a program that has long built around returning missionaries, the timing matters, especially with BYUs 2027 class still sitting at just 10 commits and plenty of spots left to fill.
The bigger question is how the Cougars will manage the next wave of talent once those missionaries come home. BYU has typically leaned on gray-shirting to help smooth out the roster fit for returning players, but that approach may not be as workable under the new setup. If the expected influx of highly rated returnees lands the way the staff hopes, the 2027 class could climb quickly and even push into the national Top 30, which is why the details of this rule change loom so large in Provo. [Read more 🡒]
Kevin Young May Already Have BYUs Next NBA Draft Prize
Kevin Young has already turned BYU into a place NBA scouts watch closely, with the program producing lottery picks in Egor Demin and AJ Dybantsa and a second-round selection in Richie Saunders. Now the attention has shifted to another newcomer, Bruce Branch III, whose arrival has him showing up in early 2027 mock drafts as one of the more intriguing names tied to the Cougars.
The buzz is easy to understand. Branch is drawing praise for his physical tools and long-term ceiling, and some evaluations see a player who could fit the same high-upside mold BYU has recently sold to elite prospects. Still, the scouting reports also leave room for growth, pointing to the usual freshman questions about strength, confidence and whether he can become a more complete scorer, which is why the exact draft range remains a moving target for now. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Just Lost Another Kevin Young Staffer With Real Importance
Boise States latest basketball move is another reminder of how much of Kevin Youngs early BYU staff has been in demand. Will Voigt has joined the Broncos as an assistant as they prepare for their jump to the Pac-12, bringing with him a resume that includes time at BYU and in the G League.
Voigt fills the opening left by Tim Duryeas retirement in May, and Boise State has also recently added former player Max Rice to the staff. For BYU, the ripple effect is familiar by now: Young has had to keep reworking pieces around him as other programs look to tap into the experience and relationships built in Provo. [Read more 🡒]