Linebacker Tyler Payne Commits to BYU

Payne is the first player to commit as part of BYU's 2025 class

On Saturday morning, BYU picked up its first commitment of the 2025 class. Weber High product Tyler Payne committed to Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program. Payne, a linebacker, is 6'2 and 210 pounds. He preps at Weber High in northern Utah. Weber High has produced BYU signees like Cannon DeVries in recent years.

Home. @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/pBaAXaqO67

— Tyler Payne (@Tyler1Payne) January 20, 2024

As a junior in 2023, Payne was named the 6A Region 1 Defensive MVP. He is a violent linebacker that loves contact. On film, his ability to diagnose a play and disrupt what the offense is trying to do really stands out. You can check out his junior film below.

Payne held a competing offer from Utah Tech and he was being recruited by Utah, Utah State, and Weber State. He picked up a BYU offer back in November, and he decided to shut down his recruitment early and lock in with the Cougars. 

The Payne name might ring a bell to those BYU fans that followed the program in the Gary Crowton era. Tyler Payne's dad is former BYU punter Matt Payne. Matt Payne is the only punter in BYU history that is remembered for his tackling ability. In a game against Boise State, Payne destroyed the punt returner not once, but twice.

A few of BYU's 2024 targets are still on the board. Outside of a small handful, the BYU coaching staff has started to turn its focus to the 2025 class.

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