Breaking: 5-Star WR Stuns College Football World with Shocking Decommitment from BYU, Flipping Commitment to Michigan Wolverines Over Powerhouses Alabama, Michigan State
In a stunning turn of events that has left the college football world buzzing, 5-star wide receiver Elijah Thompson has announced his decommitment from BYU, flipping his pledge to the Michigan Wolverines. Thompson’s decision comes as a major shock, especially considering the intense recruitment battle involving powerhouses Alabama and Michigan State.
A Rising Star
Thompson, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound wideout from Dallas, Texas, has been one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2025 class. Known for his explosive speed, precise route-running, and unmatched ability to make contested catches, Thompson has been compared to NFL stars like DeAndre Hopkins and Justin Jefferson. Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN all rank him as a top-10 overall recruit and the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation.
Originally committing to BYU in the summer of 2024, Thompson’s decision was seen as a massive win for the Cougars. BYU, which had been gaining traction as a rising program under head coach Kalani Sitake, appeared to have secured one of its most prized recruits in recent history. However, the allure of competing on a larger stage ultimately led Thompson to reconsider his options.
The Flip to Michigan
Michigan’s recruitment of Thompson was spearheaded by head coach Jim Harbaugh and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy. The Wolverines made a strong push in the months leading up to Thompson’s announcement, emphasizing their recent success in the Big Ten, back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, and a proven track record of developing NFL-ready talent.
“Michigan’s culture and commitment to excellence really stood out to me,” Thompson said during his announcement. “Coach Harbaugh and Coach Bellamy showed me how I fit into their system, and they’ve built something special in Ann Arbor. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Why BYU Lost Out
While Thompson’s initial commitment to BYU was celebrated, insiders suggest the decision to decommit was influenced by BYU’s struggles to consistently compete against elite Power 5 programs. Despite their best efforts to retain him, the Cougars faced an uphill battle against programs with more established pipelines to the NFL.
“BYU did everything they could,” said a source close to Thompson. “But at the end of the day, Elijah wanted to challenge himself against the best competition week in and week out, and Michigan offers that opportunity.”
The Competition: Alabama and Michigan State
Alabama and Michigan State were also heavily involved in Thompson’s recruitment. Alabama’s reputation as a wide receiver factory—producing stars like DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, and Jerry Jeudy—made them a strong contender. Meanwhile, Michigan State pitched Thompson on being the cornerstone of a revamped offense under head coach Mel Tucker.
Ultimately, Michigan’s balance of academics, athletics, and culture proved too compelling to pass up.
Implications for Michigan
Thompson’s commitment is a game-changer for the Wolverines. Adding a player of his caliber immediately elevates Michigan’s receiving corps, giving them a legitimate deep threat who can stretch defenses and create mismatches. Paired with a strong quarterback pipeline and an already dominant running game, Michigan’s offense could become one of the most potent in the nation.
“Elijah is a transformative talent,” said Harbaugh. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. We’re thrilled to have him join our family.”
Fallout for BYU
Losing Thompson is a significant blow for BYU, which has worked tirelessly to establish itself as a competitive program in the Big 12. While the Cougars have shown progress in recruiting and on the field, the loss of a 5-star talent highlights the challenges they face in competing with blueblood programs for elite prospects.
“This one hurts, no doubt,” said a BYU assistant coach. “But we’ll keep building and focusing on the players who believe in our vision.”
Looking Ahead
Thompson’s decision to join Michigan sends ripples across the college football landscape. For Michigan, it solidifies their status as a premier destination for top-tier talent. For BYU, it’s a reminder of the uphill climb they face in retaining elite recruits. And for fans, it’s another chapter in the ever-dramatic world of college football recruiting.
With signing day still months away, the story of Elijah Thompson’s recruitment serves as a reminder that in college football, nothing is set in stone. As programs continue to jostle for the nation’s best players, one thing is clear: the battle for talent is as fierce as ever.
