One of the country’s top young linebackers is coming to BYU.
California product McKay Madsen has committed to the Cougars, he announced to a national television audience Saturday at halftime of the Navy All-American Bowl.
Madsen is rated as a 4-star recruit by 247 Sports as the site’s No. 19-ranked linebacker prospect in the class of 2025.
He chose BYU over fellow finalists Oregon and UCLA, with the Cougars’ coaching staff making a late push to earn his commitment.
“The love is always genuine and the culture is what I represent,” Madsen said of BYU to 247 Sports. “It always felt like home and is the place I need to be.
“... Every time I’m up there, they show a lot of love,” Madsen continued. “It’s a beautiful campus and a beautiful place and they have such an amazing culture, and that’s a big part of it. My older siblings go there, my mom went there. It’s been great relationships since they started recruiting me.”
During his senior campaign at Clovis North High School, Madsen recorded 49 tackles and four interceptions. A standout at running back as well, he ran for more than 1,200 yards with 21 total touchdowns.
Madsen received offers from the Cougars on both sides of the ball but is most likely to play linebacker at the college level.
Madsen is now the highest-rated recruit of BYU’s current class. He will arrive in Provo in 2027 following his two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.