Tight End Carsen Ryan Shocks Utah Utes with Decommitment, Flips Commitment to Wyoming Over Arizona, BYU, and Colorado
Salt Lake City, UT – December 8, 2024
In a stunning turn of events, highly sought-after tight end Carsen Ryan has decommitted from the University of Utah, shocking Utes fans and recruiting analysts alike. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound prospect from Hometown, USA flipped his commitment to the University of Wyoming, spurning the efforts of other major programs, including Arizona, BYU, and Colorado.
Ryan had been a key verbal commit to Utah for nearly six months, with his decision seen as a major win for the Utes’ 2025 recruiting class. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability had made him one of the top tight end prospects in the country, with Utah expected to use him as a centerpiece in their evolving offensive scheme. But in a shocking announcement this afternoon, Ryan revealed his new commitment to Wyoming, citing his growing relationship with Cowboys coaches and the chance to make an immediate impact in the Mountain West Conference.
“I want to thank the Utah coaching staff and fans for their support during this process,” Ryan said in a statement posted to social media. “This was not an easy decision, but after talking with my family and coaches, I feel like Wyoming is the right place for me. Coach [Craig] Bohl and the staff have shown me how much they believe in me, and I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute early and help build something special in Laramie.”
The decommitment has sent shockwaves through the recruiting world, with many analysts calling it one of the most surprising flips of the 2025 class. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff will now be scrambling to fill the void left by Ryan, whose decision adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Utes’ upcoming recruiting cycle.
While Utah’s loss is Wyoming’s gain, Ryan’s commitment to the Cowboys is seen as a huge win for Bohl, who has built a strong foundation at Wyoming but has struggled to land high-profile recruits in recent years. The addition of Ryan is expected to boost the Cowboys’ offense and give them a dynamic weapon at tight end, an area that has been a focus of improvement for the program.
Strong Recruiting Competition
Ryan’s decision came down to a final four that included not only Utah but also Pac-12 programs Arizona and Colorado, and in-state rival BYU. All four schools had worked hard to build a strong relationship with Ryan throughout the recruiting process, but the Cowboys ultimately won out with their pitch of immediate playing time and a chance to be a centerpiece in their offensive scheme.
“I want to be part of something where I can make an impact right away,” Ryan said during an earlier interview with Scout Network. “I feel like Wyoming offers that opportunity and will allow me to develop in a system where I can contribute early.”
While BYU and Arizona were considered strong contenders for Ryan’s services, his decision to commit to Wyoming sends a message that the Cowboys are serious about competing in the Mountain West and beyond.
Looking Ahead for Utah:
For Utah, the decommitment is a blow to what was shaping up to be a solid recruiting class. However, with Whittingham’s proven ability to develop talent, the Utes are expected to remain a contender in the Pac-12 and will likely turn their attention to other tight end prospects in the coming months.
As for Ryan, his commitment to Wyoming has generated a buzz across the college football landscape. The Cowboys now have one of the top tight end prospects in the nation, and with his combination of size and athleticism, Ryan will likely be a key figure in Wyoming’s offensive plans for years to come.
Stay tuned as this recruiting saga continues to unfold and as we await further developments on the impact of Ryan’s decision for both Utah and Wyoming.
