“Father Like Son” — The Legacy That Led the Way
Austin Pay’s commitment to BYU isn’t just another recruit checking a box — it’s a powerful continuation of family tradition. His father, Garry Pay, was an offensive lineman at BYU in the late 1980s and early 1990s. On campus, Garry isn’t just a familiar name — he’s part of Cougar lore. Now, decades later, his son looks set to carry the Pay legacy further. That kind of generational connection resonates strongly with the BYU communit
But family isn’t all Austin brings. He’s following in the footsteps of his brothers–Connor (starting center) and Trevor (reserve O‑lineman)–who are already carving out roles on the Cougars’ offensive front . So this truly is father like son… and brother too.
The Player: A Four‑Star Powerhouse
Highly rated by Rivals, Austin Pay is officially a 4-star prospect—widely regarded as the top offensive line recruit in Utah’s 2025 class . Standing at 6’7″ and 300 pounds, he boasts the size, strength, and athleticism needed to make an immediate impact in the trenches. His dominance at Lone Peak High School doesn’t just draw local attention; national programs also sat up and took notice.
The Recruiting Pitch: What Set BYU Apart
While Oregon and Oklahoma remain college football juggernauts, BYU’s pitch to Austin Pay held significant weight:
Legacy & Family
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Institutional familiarity: With his father and brothers already entrenched at BYU, the relationship was there from day one.
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Strong internal advocates: BYU’s staff, including new offensive line coach T.J. Woods, emphasized continuity and mentorship.
Coaching & Development
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New line coach T.J. Woods received credit for turning the tide. Though legacy ties made BYU a contender, it wasn’t a sure thing—staff and scheme played a key rol
Opportunity & Role
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At BYU, Austin is likely to slot into a starting role early, surrounded by brothers he knows and coaches who will develop his skills in a trusted environment.
Compelling Program Vision
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BYU’s program identity—built on family values, character, and strong line play—aligns perfectly with what the Pays stand for. It’s more than X’s and O’s; it’s community, legacy, and vision.
The Finalists: Oregon & Oklahoma
Despite his strong ties to BYU, Austin considered elite programs like Oregon and Oklahoma.
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Oregon Ducks: A program riding momentum in the Pac-12 with power-run schemes; still, BYU managed to outcompete them, even flipping other OL targets from Oregon .
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Oklahoma Sooners: Tradition-rich and competitive in the Big 12. Many expected their national reputation and resources to sway Austin.
But in the end, BYU’s personal approach—highlighted by its family environment, positional continuity, and staff trust—helped seal the deal.
What This Means for BYU’s 2025 Class
Austin Pay’s commitment provides a huge boost to BYU’s 2025 recruiting haul:
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Secures top Utah talent: Ranked #3 in the state by 247Sports, he’s a rare in-state prize
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Reinforces OL dominance: With brothers already in the trenches, Austin strengthens a core position group.
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Helps retain local stars: Keeping elite Utah prospects close is critical for BYU’s regional strategy.
Moreover, this keeps the momentum going in a class that’s seen other key additions—like Alai Kalaniuvalu, who also flipped from Oregon .
Quotes That Capture The Moment
SI on the commitment:
“Pay, a legacy recruit, is a four‑star offensive lineman per Rivals. Pay committed to BYU over fellow finalists Oregon and Oklahoma.”
Recruiting blog Vanquish the Foe emphasized:
“Pay chose BYU over other finalists Oregon and Oklahoma. Austin’s brothers Connor and Trevor are current players for BYU and his dad, Garry, played offensive line for BYU as well. Pay is listed at 6‑foot‑7, 300 pounds…”
These quotes make it clear why Austin’s decision isn’t just another rating—it’s a statement of belief in BYU’s culture, coaching, and family traditions.
Broader Implications: Legacy & Loyalty
Austin Pay’s pledge is more than a single commitment; it’s a reaffirmation of BYU’s identity and long-term strategy:
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Strengthening the inside-out culture: With Garry, Connor, Trevor, and now Austin, the Pay family exemplifies program continuity.
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Messaging success: Legacy success stories are powerful tools in recruiting pitches. They show potential recruits that BYU is not just a stepping stone—it’s a home.
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Regional dominance: By locking down top local talent, BYU signals to other Utah prospects that the best path might lie close to home.
What’s Next: Development & Expectations
Now that Austin is on board, several questions will shape his future:
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Positioning: Will he play tackle or guard? BYU’s offensive strategy could help determine his best fit.
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Impact year: Will he start as a freshman? With brothers ahead and a relative need, it’s possible.
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On-field success: As BYU aims for stronger bowl bids and national recognition, the offensive line’s performance will be essential—and Austin is at the heart of it.
Final Thoughts
Austin Pay’s commitment to BYU is more than a recruiting win — it’s a story woven through generations. That three-time family connection—father, brothers, and now himself—embodies the “father like son” ideal for BYU.
He chose BYU over Oklahoma and Oregon not just for affiliation but for environment, opportunity, and belief in where he can thrive—both personally and professionally. As he steps onto campus and into fall camp, expectations will be high. But for now, his decision stands as a testament to heritage, culture, and