College Football World Stunned as BYU’s 5-Star QB Commit Shifts Allegiance to Texas Tech Passing Up Offers from Alabama and Tennessee………….

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, five-star quarterback commit, Ethan Daniels, has announced he will be decommitting from Brigham Young University (BYU) and instead committing to Texas Tech University. This bold decision comes as a major surprise to the recruiting world, especially considering the extensive list of prestigious programs that Daniels was reportedly considering, including perennial powerhouses like Alabama and Tennessee.

Daniels, who hails from Houston, Texas, had been highly sought after in the 2025 recruiting cycle, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most dynamic and highly-rated quarterbacks in the country. His decision to initially commit to BYU seemed like a perfect fit for both the player and the program, as Daniels expressed a deep connection to the school’s culture and faith-based approach to football. However, this recent turn of events has raised eyebrows and left many questioning the implications for both BYU and Texas Tech’s recruiting efforts.

A Shocking Decommitment from BYU

Ethan Daniels had originally committed to BYU during his junior year of high school, which seemed like a victory for the program. The 6’4”, 215-pound signal-caller quickly garnered national attention after his standout performances in high school, showcasing his elite arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. His commitment to BYU was seen as an important signal that the program was making significant strides in recruiting, particularly in securing top talent to compete at a higher level.

However, after months of speculation regarding Daniels’ recruitment, rumors began to surface that he was having second thoughts about his initial commitment. Despite his early promise, Daniels began to entertain offers from some of the biggest football programs in the country. The allure of playing for a traditional power such as Alabama, led by legendary coach Nick Saban, or a rising program like Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, seemed to be gaining traction. Yet, it was a surprising new contender that ultimately swayed Daniels’ decision.

Texas Tech’s Underdog Approach Pays Off

While Alabama and Tennessee were widely considered the frontrunners in Daniels’ recruitment, it was Texas Tech, a program with a much lower profile, that ultimately sealed the deal. The Red Raiders, led by head coach Joey McGuire, had been aggressive in their pursuit of Daniels, and their persistence paid off in the end. McGuire and his staff made it clear that Daniels was their top priority, and they put together a compelling pitch that emphasized the unique opportunity to be the face of a program that was looking to break into the upper echelon of college football.

Texas Tech has had a solid football program over the years but has largely been overshadowed by teams in the Big 12, especially with the recent emergence of programs like Oklahoma and Texas. However, McGuire has made it clear that he wants to change the trajectory of the program, focusing on building a team capable of competing for conference championships. With Daniels on board, Texas Tech now has the centerpiece of its future offense, and Daniels will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact.

One of the key factors that influenced Daniels’ decision was the opportunity to play in an offense tailored to his strengths. Texas Tech, known for its wide-open, pass-heavy scheme, provides a perfect environment for a quarterback of Daniels’ caliber. His ability to throw on the run and push the ball down the field will be invaluable in McGuire’s offensive system. Additionally, Daniels expressed that he felt a strong connection to the coaching staff, particularly the way they emphasized his development both on and off the field.

A Hard Decision for Daniels

Making the final decision to commit to Texas Tech was not an easy one for Daniels. Both Alabama and Tennessee presented significant offers, and it was clear that he had a deep admiration for both programs. Alabama, known for its football dynasty, would have provided Daniels the chance to play under one of the most successful coaches in the history of college football, Nick Saban. The opportunity to develop at a program with a proven track record of producing NFL-caliber quarterbacks was undoubtedly enticing.

Similarly, Tennessee, under the guidance of Josh Heupel, has made a dramatic resurgence in recent years, with a high-powered offense that has reestablished the Vols as one of the top programs in the SEC. Daniels would have had the opportunity to compete in the most competitive conference in college football and be a part of a program that is on the rise.

Despite the allure of these elite programs, Daniels ultimately chose Texas Tech, citing the chance to be a program-changing player as a major factor. His decision speaks to the growing trend of high-profile recruits looking for opportunities to make an immediate impact rather than simply joining an established powerhouse. Daniels, who has always been known for his self-confidence and desire to carve out his own path, expressed that he wanted to go to a program where he could be the centerpiece and lead the team to success.

BYU Left Reeling

For BYU, Daniels’ decommitment is a tough blow. Head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff had worked tirelessly to secure Daniels’ commitment, and losing him now leaves a significant hole in their recruiting class. BYU has had a solid track record of developing quarterbacks, but Daniels was seen as a future star who could elevate the program to new heights.

The loss of Daniels has prompted questions about BYU’s ability to recruit at the highest level, particularly as they prepare to enter a more competitive conference environment with their move to the Big 12. Without Daniels, the Cougars will need to quickly shift their focus to other quarterback prospects to ensure that their recruiting efforts don’t fall behind their rivals.

A New Chapter for Texas Tech

As for Texas Tech, the addition of Daniels marks the beginning of an exciting new era. McGuire has proven that he is not afraid to take risks in recruiting, and landing one of the top quarterbacks in the country sends a strong message to the rest of the Big 12. With Daniels at the helm, the Red Raiders now have the potential to become one of the most exciting programs in college football.

Looking ahead, Texas Tech will need to surround Daniels with top-tier talent to ensure that the program can compete at the highest level. However, with a quarterback of Daniels’ caliber, the future of Texas Tech football has never looked brighter.

As the 2025 recruiting cycle continues to unfold, Daniels’ commitment to Texas Tech is a reminder that in college football, anything can happen, and even the most unlikely of programs can land game-changing recruits. The college football world will be watching closely to see how Daniels’ decision plays out over the next few years.