Provo, UT – In a stunning upset that has sent ripples of excitement through the BYU Cougars fanbase, four-star recruit Nuu Sellesin has committed to Brigham Young University, stunning national analysts and reinforcing the Cougars’ growing reputation as a serious contender on the national recruiting stage.
Sellesin, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker from Long Beach, California, had previously narrowed his top choices to Oregon, USC, and Michigan, all of which boast storied programs and significant national exposure. Recruiting insiders had almost unanimously predicted that the talented defensive standout would stay within the Pac-12 footprint or head to the Midwest, especially after multiple visits to USC and Michigan in recent months. However, in a surprising turn of events during a televised announcement on Monday afternoon, Sellesin donned a BYU hat and declared his commitment to the Cougars.
“This decision wasn’t just about football,” Sellesin said during his announcement. “It was about faith, family, and finding a place where I could grow as a man and an athlete. BYU offers all of that. The coaching staff made me feel at home, and the energy around the program is just different right now.”
For BYU, this marks one of the biggest recruiting wins in recent program history. The Cougars, traditionally known for developing talent rather than landing top-ranked recruits, have made significant progress in recent years as they continue their transition into the Big 12. Head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff have emphasized a strong, values-based culture combined with a growing emphasis on elite athleticism. Sellesin’s commitment signals that the message is resonating with high-profile recruits.
“Nuu is the kind of player who can elevate an entire defense,” Coach Sitake said in a statement following the commitment. “He’s got the physical tools, yes—but it’s his leadership, his instincts, and his relentless work ethic that set him apart. We are thrilled to welcome him to Cougar Nation.”
Sellesin, who recorded 112 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in his junior season, is considered one of the most dynamic linebackers in the class of 2025. His blend of size, speed, and sideline-to-sideline pursuit ability makes him a versatile defender capable of impacting both the run game and pass coverage. Analysts have compared his playing style to former BYU star Fred Warner, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers and is widely regarded as one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
The decision also carries symbolic weight, as BYU continues to solidify its place in the Power Five landscape. Landing a player of Sellesin’s caliber—especially over major programs—signals that BYU is no longer simply a developmental program, but one that can attract and retain elite talent. This has major implications not only for the Cougars’ immediate future but also for their long-term ability to compete at the highest levels.
“This changes the conversation about BYU,” said recruiting analyst Jonah Fraser of 247Sports. “They’ve always had the culture and coaching. Now they’re starting to get the type of athletes who can go toe-to-toe with the best programs in the country. Sellesin could be a foundational piece.”
The commitment has already ignited a wave of excitement across Provo and Cougar fan forums, with social media buzzing and student groups organizing welcome events. Sellesin is expected to officially sign his letter of intent during the early signing period in December, and there is speculation that he may even graduate early to enroll at BYU in the spring semester.
For now, though, Cougar Nation is simply savoring the moment. In a world where high school stars often chase the biggest name or the flashiest brand, Nuu Sellesin chose a path less expected—and in doing so, he may have just helped elevate BYU football to a new tier of national relevance.
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