BYU Cougars WR Flips to Florida State Over Syracuse, Michigan, and Others
Tanner McCallister had been the crown jewel of BYU’s 2025 recruiting class. A 6’3″ wide receiver with blazing speed and hands that seemed to defy gravity, McCallister had grown up in Provo, Utah, dreaming of wearing BYU blue. He was the hometown hero, the kid who every Cougar fan believed would bring their team back to national prominence.
But in the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, dreams are often subject to change.
As McCallister’s senior year progressed, his highlight reels caught the attention of powerhouse programs across the country. Offers poured in from Michigan, Syracuse, and a surprising late push from Florida State. Each visit was more glamorous than the last: Michigan sold him on their NFL pedigree, Syracuse pitched the chance to be the centerpiece of their rebuilding offense, and Florida State? They offered something that neither BYU nor the others could.
Legacy.
The Seminoles head coach, a charismatic recruiter with a knack for closing deals, flew to Provo personally. He didn’t just talk about championships or NFL prospects. Instead, he pointed to the banners in Doak Campbell Stadium, the names of Seminole legends, and the resurgence of Florida State as a national contender. McCallister would be a part of something greater than himself—a program on the verge of another golden age.
Still, McCallister was torn. His heart was with BYU, the school he’d grown up cheering for. But the allure of ACC championships, prime-time games, and a warm Florida climate was hard to resist. After a long week of deliberation, he made the call that would shock the college football world.
On a cold January afternoon, McCallister sat at a table in his high school gym, surrounded by family, coaches, and teammates. In front of him were hats representing BYU, Michigan, Syracuse, and Florida State. As the cameras flashed and the crowd held their breath, he reached out—not for the blue BYU cap everyone expected—but for the garnet and gold of Florida State.
“I want to thank BYU for believing in me from the beginning,” McCallister said, his voice steady but emotional. “But after a lot of prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to take my talents to Tallahassee and become a Florida State Seminole.”
The decision sent shockwaves through the college football world. BYU fans were heartbroken, Michigan fans lamented losing out, and Syracuse moved on to their next target. But in Tallahassee, the celebration was just beginning.
For Tanner McCallister, the journey was only starting. As he traded the snow-capped peaks of Utah for the sunny skies of Florida, one thing was certain—he was ready to leave his mark on Seminole history.