Tempe, AZ — In a stunning turn of events, Crew Wakley, a four-star safety from BYU, has officially shut down his commitment after signing with Arizona State University’s 2026 football class. The announcement has sent shockwaves through both the BYU and ASU football communities, as Wakley was expected to be a cornerstone of the Cougars’ defense for years to come.
Wakley, a highly touted recruit from the state of Utah, had initially committed to BYU earlier in the recruiting process, citing his desire to play close to home and be a key part of the team’s defense. However, sources close to the situation have confirmed that the 6-foot-2, 205-pound safety has now chosen to pursue his collegiate career at Arizona State.
The decision to flip his commitment to ASU marks a significant development in the ongoing arms race of college football recruiting in the West. Arizona State, under head coach Kenny Dillingham, has been building a highly ranked 2026 class, and Wakley’s addition strengthens what is already being hailed as one of the most promising defensive units in the Pac-12.
A Major Get for ASU
ASU’s recruitment of Wakley was a late but decisive move. The Sun Devils have been focusing on adding talent to their secondary, and Wakley, with his size, range, and ball-hawking ability, was a priority target for Dillingham’s staff. According to analysts, Wakley has the athleticism to play both safety positions and even line up as a nickel corner in certain defensive schemes, making him a versatile asset for the Sun Devils.
“We’re thrilled to have Crew Wakley as part of our 2026 class,” said Coach Dillingham in a statement. “He’s a dynamic player who excels in coverage and is a real playmaker on the field. His leadership qualities, combined with his skill set, will make him an integral part of our defense for years to come.”
BYU Fans React
For BYU fans, the news of Wakley’s decommitment comes as a bitter blow. The Cougars, who had built their defense around a group of highly skilled recruits, are now left scrambling to fill the void left by one of their top defensive targets. While the program has historically had success developing defensive backs, losing a player of Wakley’s caliber is a setback.
“We are disappointed by Crew’s decision, but we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake in a statement. “Our staff remains committed to recruiting top-tier talent, and we will continue to focus on building a strong, competitive defense for the future.”
What’s Next for Wakley?
Wakley, who still has a full season of high school football left, is expected to continue his development as one of the top safeties in the 2026 class. He’ll be a key figure in the upcoming recruiting cycle and will likely continue to attract attention from national scouts as he prepares to play in the Pac-12.
As for ASU, the future is looking bright with the addition of a talent like Wakley, whose commitment could set the tone for more high-profile recruits to join the Sun Devils’ growing roster.
Fans of both BYU and Arizona State will be eagerly watching to see how this high-profile recruit develops over the next few years—and whether Wakley can live up to the enormous potential that made him one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the country.
Conclusion
Crew Wakley’s surprise commitment flip to Arizona State from BYU is a major storyline in the recruiting world, and it is sure to have lasting implications for both programs. As the 2026 class begins to take shape, the focus will now shift to how ASU plans to utilize the versatile safety in their evolving defensive scheme—and how BYU will respond as they continue to rebuild their roster.
