In a surprising turn of events, 2026 four-star wide receiver recruit **Jaxon Rivers** has officially flipped his commitment to BYU football, marking a significant shift in the landscape of his recruitment. The talented pass catcher, previously committed to a prominent Power Five program, chose to commit to the Cougars after careful consideration and discussions with the coaching staff. Rivers’ decision to switch allegiances to BYU not only adds a major piece to the team’s future but also signals the growing strength of the Cougars’ recruiting efforts under head coach Kalani Sitake.

 

Rivers, who hails from **Salt Lake City, Utah**, is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 class, and his decision to flip to BYU is a reflection of both personal and professional factors. Standing at 6’2″ with impressive speed and route-running ability, Rivers has drawn attention from major programs around the country, but his ties to BYU run deep. Growing up in Utah, Rivers has always had a strong connection to the Cougars, and his decision to stay in state and join the team is seen as a major win for the program.

 

The flip is a significant moment in BYU’s recruiting cycle, as it comes after a period of growing momentum for the Cougars. In recent years, Sitake and his staff have worked diligently to build a competitive program that consistently attracts top-tier talent. With Rivers in the fold, BYU bolsters an already impressive recruiting class, which is expected to provide a strong foundation for the future.

 

Rivers’ decision is also indicative of the shifting dynamics in college football recruiting. As the sport evolves and schools compete for the best players, recruits are increasingly placing a premium on factors beyond just on-field success. For Rivers, the family atmosphere, the opportunity to play in front of local fans, and the potential for early playing time at BYU were all key considerations in his decision. The Cougars’ established reputation for developing wide receivers and their growth as a national program played a big role in swaying the young talent.

 

For BYU, landing Rivers is a major coup. The Cougars have traditionally been a competitive team in the Mountain West Conference and have made impressive strides since joining the Big 12 in 2023. With a player like Rivers joining the fold, the future looks even brighter for BYU, as he could be a focal point of the offense in the coming years.

 

In addition to his athletic prowess, Rivers is also a standout in the classroom, earning recognition for his academic achievements. This combination of on-field talent and off-field discipline makes him an ideal fit for BYU’s program, which places a strong emphasis on both athletic and academic excellence.

 

With his commitment now solidified, all eyes will be on Rivers as he prepares for his senior season of high school football. His decision to flip to BYU has set the stage for what could be an exciting college career, with many expecting him to make an immediate impact once he joins the program in 2026. For BYU football, this recruitment victory is a testament to their ongoing growth and the strength of their recruiting efforts in the coming years.