Another exciting college football signing period has arrived, marking a pivotal moment for thousands of high school athletes across the nation. On Wednesday, dreams take a step closer to reality as these young athletes sign their commitments to play collegiate football. Among these promising recruits, the University of Utah is set to welcome at least 20 new players, with a class brimming with talent and potential. At the forefront of Utah’s 2025 recruiting class are two standout linebackers: Cyrus Polu and Christian Thatcher, both composite four-star recruits.
The Headliners: Polu and Thatcher
Cyrus Polu, a star from Desert Hills High, has seen his stock rise recently. Thanks to a ratings bump from 247Sports, Polu is now ranked as the No. 3 recruit from Utah and the No. 23 linebacker in the nation. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Polu’s athleticism and versatility are undeniable. Last season, he earned Deseret News 4A first-team honors with an impressive stat line: 55 tackles, four sacks, and four interceptions. Though Desert Hills hasn’t updated its defensive stats this year, Polu’s reputation precedes him. He had offers from powerhouse programs like UCLA, Washington, Stanford, and Michigan State but opted to stay close to home and play under Utah’s defensive coordinators Morgan Scalley and Colton Swan.
Joining Polu in this stellar recruiting class is Christian Thatcher, a dynamic linebacker from Arbor View High in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ranked as the No. 6 player in Nevada and the No. 41 linebacker nationally, Thatcher’s 2023 season stats speak volumes about his dominance on the field. He recorded 116 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, one sack, an interception, and three forced fumbles. Thatcher’s 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame and relentless style of play earned him offers from top-tier programs like USC, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. Yet, like Polu, he chose the Utes, solidifying Utah’s linebacking corps as one of the best in the nation.
A Closer Look at the Class of 2025
This year’s recruiting class doesn’t stop at Polu and Thatcher. The University of Utah’s list of commits is as diverse as it is talented. Among the highlights:
- JJ Buchanan, a Nevada safety who also played wide receiver, is a dual-threat athlete with great versatility.
- Daniel Bray, a running back who flipped his commitment from SMU to Utah at the last minute, brings agility and speed to the offense.
- For the first time since 2022, Utah is set to sign two quarterbacks: Wyatt Becker and Jamarian Ficklin, both highly-rated three-star recruits.
Becker, from Sierra Canyon High in California, threw for 1,833 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He also showcased his dual-threat capabilities with 358 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. Meanwhile, Ficklin led Muskogee High to a state championship last year and has his team poised for another title run. His 2,218 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and just four interceptions this season underline his consistency and poise under pressure.
Exciting Decisions and Unfolding Drama
As if the current roster of commitments wasn’t thrilling enough, there are a couple of decisions still looming. Four-star running back Raycine Guillory Jr., from Texas, is set to announce his choice between Ole Miss and Utah at 5 p.m. MST. Additionally, three-star offensive tackle Nick Hallock from Bingham High will reveal his decision at 2:30 p.m. MST. These announcements could further elevate Utah’s already impressive class.
Ranking the Utes
Recruiting rankings are a dynamic game, often shifting as new players commit and receive updated ratings. Currently, Utah’s class ranks 42nd nationally and sixth in the Big 12 according to 247Sports. Rivals positions the Utes 38th overall and fifth in the Big 12, while On3 has Utah at 42nd nationally and eighth in the Big 12. These rankings are solid but slightly down from Utah’s historic No. 23 ranking in 2023 following back-to-back Pac-12 championships. Nonetheless, this class holds immense potential to elevate the team’s performance in the coming seasons.
The Bigger Picture: Coaching and Continuity
The signing period is also notable for its timing, as it coincides with head coach Kyle Whittingham’s decision on whether to return for a 21st season. However, the program’s stability is bolstered by a clear succession plan involving defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley as the coach-in-waiting. Whittingham emphasized how this transparency has reassured recruits, saying, “It would be a whole lot different if we didn’t have that plan in place. But they know exactly what the plan is.”
The Full List of Utah’s Class of 2025 (As of December 3)
Here’s a rundown of the recruits bringing their talents to Utah:
- Christian Thatcher, LB, 4-star, 6-2, 205, Arbor View High, Las Vegas, NV
- Cyrus Polu, LB, 4-star, 6-2, 205, Desert Hills High, St. George, UT
- Wyatt Becker, QB, 3-star, 6-1, 180, Sierra Canyon High, Chatsworth, CA
- Jamarian Ficklin, QB, 3-star, 6-1, 185, Muskogee High, Muskogee, OK
- Daniel Bray, RB, 3-star, 5-9, 165, North Crowley High, Fort Worth, TX
- JJ Buchanan, S/WR, 3-star, 6-4, 200, Coronado High, Henderson, NV
- Karson Kaufusi, DL, 3-star, 6-4, 252, Skyline High, Salt Lake City, UT
- Tavian McNair, WR, 3-star, 6-2, 180, Centennial High, Corona, CA
…and many more talented athletes rounding out a class brimming with promise.
Looking Ahead
With a strong mix of high school recruits and transfer players, the Utes are building a roster poised for sustained success. Whether it’s the hard-hitting linebackers like Polu and Thatcher or the dynamic quarterbacks in Becker and Ficklin, this class signals Utah’s commitment to competing at the highest level. As signing day unfolds, Utah fans can look forward to a bright future filled with game-changing talent.
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