Breaking News: Five-Star WR DJ Pickett. Decommits from Ohio State, Chooses BYU Over Tennessee, Clemson, and Alabama….
Breaking: Five-Star WR DJ Five-star wide receiver DJ Pickett has made headlines by decommitting from Ohio State and choosing to play for Brigham Young University (BYU) instead. The decision comes after months of speculation and interest from major programs like Tennessee and Clemson, both of which were also in the race for his commitment. Pickett’s decision to turn his back on a powerhouse program like Ohio State and opt for BYU marks a significant shift in the recruiting landscape, particularly for a player of his caliber.
Pickett, one of the most highly sought-after wide receivers in the 2025 recruiting class, had initially committed to Ohio State, a school known for producing elite wide receivers and a dynamic passing offense. However, despite the Buckeyes’ reputation, Pickett had been exploring his options more thoroughly in recent months. His decision to reopen his recruitment sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world, especially as it became clear that BYU, a program that historically doesn’t land many five-star recruits, was gaining significant momentum in the race.
What led to Pickett’s decommitment from Ohio State remains a topic of discussion. While the Buckeyes had a strong recruiting pitch with a proven track record of developing wide receivers, Pickett seemed to be seeking a more personalized experience. His relationship with BYU’s coaching staff played a key role in his final decision, and the program’s emphasis on family, faith, and community resonated with him deeply. BYU’s ability to connect on a personal level, along with their faith-based culture, is thought to have been a major factor that swayed him toward making the switch.
Tennessee and Clemson were also strong contenders in the recruitment battle. Both programs have been in the hunt for elite wide receiver talent and offered Pickett the chance to contribute to high-powered offenses. Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has gained a reputation for its dynamic passing attack, while Clemson, with head coach Dabo Swinney at the helm, remains a perennial College Football Playoff contender. However, in the end, neither program could match BYU’s unique appeal.
For BYU, landing a five-star recruit like Pickett is a monumental achievement. The Cougars have long been a respected program, especially since their transition to the Big 12 conference, which has given them increased visibility and competition. Pickett’s commitment to BYU is seen as a major coup for head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff, who have worked diligently to improve the program’s recruiting efforts.
Pickett is known for his impressive physicality, excellent hands, and ability to make plays down the field. Standing at 6’3″ and boasting a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, he is a deep threat with the ability to create separation from defenders. His combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and he has the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
The decision to choose BYU over traditional powerhouses like Ohio State, Tennessee, and Clemson may be surprising to some, but it highlights the evolving nature of college football recruiting. As programs like BYU continue to build their brand and attract top talent, the landscape of college football recruiting may look very different in the years to come. For DJ Pickett, his decision to choose BYU over some of the most successful programs in the nation signals that the Cougars are ready to compete on a national scale.
Decommits from Ohio State, Chooses BYU Over Tennessee, Clemson