CONFUSION AT CAMP: BYU Cougars 5-Star Signee Never Arrived – Coaches Say “We’re Still Trying to Reach Him”
Preseason camp at BYU took an unexpected turn this week as one of the Cougars’ top incoming recruits, a highly touted 5-star signee, failed to report to camp. The coaching staff, players, and fans alike were left stunned when the young standout—expected to be a major contributor this season—was nowhere to be found. The situation has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a promising and energetic start to fall training.
Head coach Kalani Sitake addressed the media late Tuesday evening, confirming the absence and expressing concern for the player’s wellbeing. “We’ve tried reaching out multiple times over the last 24 hours,” Sitake said. “We were expecting him to be here, fully cleared and ready to go. As of now, we haven’t heard anything directly from him or his family. We’re still trying to reach him.”
The mystery has only deepened as speculation swirls on social media, with some fans suggesting academic or eligibility issues might be the reason for the no-show. Others believe the player might be reconsidering his commitment amid increasing offers and NIL opportunities from other programs. However, no official reason has been provided by the player’s camp.
Team insiders say the recruit had been fully involved in the offseason program and had even participated in voluntary summer workouts. His absence came as a shock to teammates who had been anticipating working alongside him, especially given the impact he was expected to make at a key position. “He was locked in all summer,” one player shared anonymously. “So for him not to show up like this? It’s just… confusing.”
Recruiting analysts are already weighing in, suggesting the Cougars could lose the signee altogether if communication isn’t re-established soon. Given his ranking and skill set, other programs could potentially swoop in if he decides to decommit. BYU’s staff, however, remains hopeful the situation is temporary and can be resolved without drama.
For now, BYU will continue camp preparations without one of its most anticipated freshmen. The coaching staff insists that their focus remains on the players who are present, but the lingering uncertainty surrounding their missing signee will undoubtedly continue to raise questions in the coming days.
