BYU secures commitments from legacy recruit Jaxson Rex and kicker James Thorley during major 2027 recruiting weekend

The BYU Cougars football program added two new members to its 2027 recruiting class on Sunday, as athlete Jaxson Rex and kicker/punter James Thorley announced their commitments to the university.

Jaxson Rex, a standout from San Clemente, California, selected BYU over UCLA and several other programs, according to On3’s Greg Biggins. Rex brings a strong family connection to the Cougars: his uncle, Byron Rex, played for BYU in the early 1990s, and several of Byron’s sons—including running back Preston Rex, who will be a senior in 2026—have also suited up for the team in recent years.

James Thorley, a kicker/punter from Burke, Virginia, about 20 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., announced his pledge to the Cougars on social media as well.

The commitments capped a highly productive recruiting weekend for BYU. According to Sports Illustrated’s Casey Lundquist, the Cougars hosted numerous top targets from the Class of 2027 on campus, including both already committed prospects and uncommited recruits. Committed players in attendance included Jeremiah Williams, Moa Havili, Tytan DeJong, Ryan Wooten Jr., Ezra Sanelivi, Jaxson Rex, and James Thorley. Uncommitted visitors included Bode Sparrow, Uhila Wolfgramm, Kamoni Adams, Brody Rudnicki, Kyle Nabrotzky, Moa Brown, Lakepa Satuala, Peyton Higginson, and Owen Leishman.

The weekend’s success underscores BYU’s growing momentum in recruiting as it continues to build its future roster.