High school athletes from Northern Utah are increasingly opting for out-of-state college programs despite offers from local institutions, according to a September 20 report by Bob Judson. While in-state opportunities exist, several high-profile recruits have recently chosen to play for universities outside of Utah.
Layton High senior basketball player Karter Miller recently decided to play at Cal State Fullerton after local offers from Weber State and the University of Utah did not materialize. This trend has been seen in other high-profile cases over the last three years. This summer, Davis High football recruit Bode Sparrow chose Oklahoma over local offers, despite the University of Utah being in the mix. Additionally, Fremont High football player Salesi Moa committed to Utah before switching to Michigan following Kyle Whittingham's departure to coach there. Davis High's Tradon Bessinger also moved from a pledge to Boise State in 2024 to attending Iowa after a record-breaking senior season.
Other local athletes have taken different paths to reach collegiate levels. Jaxton Itaaehau has committed to the University of Utah. Robert Young, who starred at Roy High, chose Idaho State before joining the Weber State Wildcats. Collin Chandler of Farmington High chose BYU, transferred to Kentucky, and has since returned to the Cougars. Hunter Hansen, a former Fremont guard, recently returned from a mission and has committed to Weber State. Additionally, Davis High soccer senior Kate Willard has a scholarship offer to Weber State and is considering the multi-sport option of playing basketball as well.
The shift in recruitment highlights the competitive landscape for local schools. While Weber State remains a notable destination, its status in the FCS places it a step below the FBS where many players seek to compete. Other local athletes include Syracuse High's Maylee Anderson and Rachel McBride, who are attending Northwest College in Wyoming, and Clearfield's Izzy Wyaskett, who is also at Northwest College. Former Fremont standout Maggie Mendelson, who sought to play basketball at the collegiate level after receiving volleyball offers from local universities, recently signed with Pepperdine as a fifth-year senior.
While the departure of local talent to out-of-state schools can be difficult for local fans to follow, the opportunities being secured by Northern Utah athletes remain significant.
