BREAKING NEWS: Five-Star WR Chase Robert Decommits from BYU, Chooses Clemson Over Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia

In a dramatic turn of events that has rocked the college football recruiting world, five-star wide receiver Chase Robert announced late Friday night that he has officially decommitted from Brigham Young University (BYU) and will instead take his talents to Clemson University. The shocking announcement, made via a heartfelt video posted on social media, has left fans of both programs stunned and re-ignited the ongoing battle between the nation’s elite programs for top-tier talent.

Robert, a 6’5”, 205-pound pass-catcher out of Allen High School in Texas, was widely considered the top wide receiver in the 2025 class and ranked third overall nationally according to most major recruiting services. Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and agility, Robert has been dubbed a “once-in-a-generation” talent by analysts across the country.

Originally committing to BYU in the summer of 2024, Robert cited his deep family ties to the program and a desire to continue the legacy of his father and uncle, both of whom were standout players in Provo during the early 2000s. “BYU is in my blood,” Robert said during his initial commitment speech. “It’s where I always imagined playing. It’s home.”

That made Friday’s announcement all the more surprising.

A Change of Heart

In his video message, Robert explained the decision was not made lightly and came after “months of reflection, prayer, and discussions with family, mentors, and coaches.”

“I will always respect BYU and what they’ve done for me,” he said, visibly emotional. “But at this point in my journey, I feel called to take a different path—one that allows me to compete at the highest level, develop my skills further, and prepare myself for the NFL. For that reason, I am decommitting from BYU and committing to Clemson University.”

According to sources close to the Robert family, the young receiver had been quietly reconsidering his options over the last several weeks, particularly after visiting several high-profile programs. Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn were all considered heavy contenders, with most insiders believing Alabama held a narrow lead.

But in the end, it was Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley who closed the deal during Robert’s unofficial visit to the Tigers’ campus last weekend.

The Clemson Pitch

Multiple sources say that what impressed Robert most about Clemson was the program’s culture, recent history of developing NFL-caliber receivers, and the opportunity to play in a system built around maximizing wide receiver talent.

During his visit, Robert met with several former Tiger greats, including DeAndre Hopkins and Tee Higgins, both of whom had flown in specifically to talk with him.

“That meant everything to me,” Robert reportedly told a confidant. “These guys didn’t have to come out and meet me, but they did. They told me what it takes, what Clemson did for them—not just as players, but as men. That hit deep.”

The presence of sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik was another factor. Known for his strong arm and poise under pressure, Klubnik has been widely praised for his leadership and work ethic. With Robert’s arrival, Clemson’s receiving corps becomes arguably the most dangerous in the ACC and perhaps the entire nation.

Reaction from the Recruiting World

Robert’s flip sent recruiting analysts and college football forums into overdrive.

“Massive get for Clemson,” said 247Sports national recruiting director Steve Wiltfong. “You don’t just land a kid like Chase Robert without doing everything right. This is the kind of move that could shape the playoff picture for years.”

Social media also lit up, with Clemson fans celebrating the coup and BYU fans expressing disappointment and, in some corners, betrayal.

“I get it,” tweeted former BYU quarterback Kalani Stills. “The game’s changed. But man, that one stings.”

Impact on BYU and the SEC Programs

BYU, already facing an uphill climb in the Big 12 after struggling in 2024, now finds itself without the centerpiece of its incoming recruiting class. Head coach Kalani Sitake released a brief statement expressing gratitude for Robert’s time with the program and wishing him well.

“We wish Chase nothing but success,” the statement read. “He is a phenomenal athlete and person, and we look forward to seeing him thrive.”

Meanwhile, Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn—who had all hosted Robert on visits earlier this spring—were said to be caught off guard by his decision. Alabama in particular was reportedly in daily contact with the receiver’s camp as recently as 48 hours before the commitment.

“This is what makes recruiting so brutal,” said a member of Georgia’s recruiting staff. “You think you’ve done everything right, and then you see that Clemson video pop up on your phone.”

What This Means for Clemson’s 2025 Season

With Robert now in the fold, expectations at Clemson are soaring. Already considered a playoff contender, the Tigers now boast one of the most dangerous aerial attacks in the country. Robert is expected to start immediately and is already drawing comparisons to former Tiger legends like Sammy Watkins and Justyn Ross.

Offensive coordinator Garrett Riley hinted that changes are coming to the playbook to take full advantage of Robert’s skill set.

“He’s a game-changer,” Riley said during a Saturday morning press conference. “You don’t get a guy like Chase and just plug him into your system—you design your system around him. That’s what we’re going to do.”

A New Era Begins

For Chase Robert, the decision marks the start of a new chapter—one that will be closely watched by fans, scouts, and rivals alike. While BYU mourns the loss of a generational talent, Clemson fans are already dreaming of what’s to come.

“This is bigger than football,” Robert said at the end of his commitment video. “It’s about finding the right place to grow, to learn, and to lead. I believe that place is Clemson.”

And with that, college football’s most talked-about recruit turned the page—leaving behind his family legacy in Utah and stepping boldly into the spotlight of the national stage.