Brigham Young University Secures Top Recruit AJ Dybantsa with Shocking $7M NIL Deal

AJ Dybantsa stuns by choosing BYU over blue blood programs. With a $7M NIL deal, BYU’s NBA-focused development wins over 2025’s top basketball recruit.

Utah Prep's AJ Dybantsa, left, during a game against Highland School at Emmanuel College in Boston on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. / Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Tuesday morning, the college basketball world changed forever when AJ Dybantsa, the top high school player and the unanimous No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, shocked the sports world by announcing his commitment to the BYU Cougars on ESPN’s First Take. In doing so, Dybantsa turned down offers from perennial powerhouses like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Kansas Jayhawks, and North Carolina Tar Heels, choosing a program not traditionally associated with basketball dominance. His decision, fueled by a reported $7 million NIL package according to Adam Zagoria, cements BYU’s place at the forefront of the sport’s new era.

At 6-foot-9 with a wingspan over seven feet, Dybantsa is the archetype of the modern NBA wing, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. His elite skill set—anchored by a deadly pull-up game, the ability to create his shot against any defender and high-level basketball IQ—makes him a generational prospect. But while Dybantsa’s on-court talent is unquestioned, his choice of BYU speaks volumes about the evolving dynamics of college basketball.

For BYU, this is more than a recruiting victory; it’s a redefinition of what’s possible. Long overshadowed by blue-blood giants, the program leveraged the perfect storm of NIL resources and coaching expertise to land the sport’s crown jewel. Head coach Kevin Young was a decisive factor, whose résumé includes developing NBA superstars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Dybantsa has been vocal about prioritizing development over brand name, and BYU’s NBA-centric approach aligned seamlessly with his aspirations to enter the league as a high-impact player.

The $7 million NIL deal, reportedly the largest in college basketball history, is only part of the story. Dybantsa’s earning power includes a $4 million endorsement deal with Nike, showcasing the unprecedented financial opportunities available to top athletes in the NIL era. Schools like BYU have been unable to attract elite talent for decades due to limited resources and less national prestige. With robust financial backing and forward-thinking leadership, BYU has redefined what’s achievable in college basketball recruiting.

Dybantsa’s impact will be immediate. His presence will elevate the program’s visibility to unprecedented levels, attracting national media attention, prime-time matchups, and potentially more top-tier recruits. BYU basketball may have transformed overnight into a legitimate national title contender.

This commitment represents more than just a win for BYU; it’s a tectonic shift in the college basketball landscape. The traditional barriers between blue blood programs and the rest are crumbling under the weight of NIL opportunities and forward-thinking coaching strategies. Dybantsa’s decision proves that players now value a holistic combination of development, resources, and financial security.

For BYU, this moment is a declaration of intent. They are not content to merely compete; they are here to win. AJ Dybantsa’s commitment isn’t just a headline—it’s a harbinger of a future where programs like BYU can rewrite the rules and challenge the sport’s status quo.