BREAKING: Jamir Watkins Decommits from FSU and Flips Commitment to BYU
Excitement erupted in Provo, Utah, as the Marriott Center became the center of attention with a groundbreaking announcement in college basketball. Six-foot-seven forward Jamir Watkins, a highly sought-after talent in the transfer portal, has officially decommitted from Florida State University (FSU) and committed to the BYU Cougars, signaling a massive boost for the program. Watkins chose BYU over top-tier programs such as Auburn, Florida, and Kentucky, drawing a collective gasp from fans and analysts alike.
The news sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, with the Marriott Center’s atmosphere on edge as BYU fans celebrated the major coup for the Cougars’ basketball program. Watkins, who had originally committed to FSU, was one of the most coveted players in this year’s transfer cycle, making his decision one of the biggest in recent memory for BYU.
Watkins comes to BYU after a standout freshman season at FSU, where he averaged impressive numbers in both scoring and rebounding. The 6-foot-7 forward showed incredible versatility, excelling as both a scorer and defender. His athleticism and potential were immediately noticed by coaches and scouts across the country, making him one of the top-ranked players in the 2025 transfer portal.
Originally committing to FSU in 2023, Watkins’ sudden decommitment caught many by surprise. However, those close to the situation have pointed to BYU’s dynamic recruiting pitch, their rising program under head coach Mark Pope, and the potential to make an immediate impact as key factors in Watkins’ change of heart.
“Jamir is the kind of player we’ve been working tirelessly to bring to BYU,” said Pope. “His skill set, basketball IQ, and work ethic will be a tremendous asset to our team. We’re thrilled to have him join the Cougars family, and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the court next season.”
For BYU, securing Watkins represents a major step forward in their pursuit of becoming a perennial powerhouse in college basketball. With the Cougars already showing strong performances in recent seasons, the addition of a player of Watkins’ caliber only solidifies their standing as a top contender in the Big 12 Conference.
BYU’s commitment to building a well-rounded team is evident, and Watkins will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their future success. He brings a combination of athleticism, skill, and a winning mentality that could be the missing piece in their championship aspirations.
Watkins’ decision underscores the growing influence of the transfer portal in shaping college basketball rosters. With players increasingly able to move freely between programs, schools like BYU are becoming more strategic in identifying and acquiring top talent. The portal has become an essential tool for building competitive teams, and BYU’s success in landing a player of Watkins’ caliber is a testament to their recruiting efforts.
While Watkins was heavily pursued by programs like Auburn, Florida, and Kentucky—traditional powerhouses in college basketball—his decision to commit to BYU sends a clear message that the Cougars are a serious force in the sport. It also signals a shift toward BYU being viewed as a destination for elite players looking for an opportunity to shine on the big stage.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, BYU fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of Jamir Watkins in a Cougar uniform. His ability to contribute immediately and make an impact on both ends of the floor has the potential to elevate BYU to new heights in the highly competitive Big 12.
Watkins’ flip is just the latest in a series of moves that have the BYU basketball program trending upward. As the team prepares for a promising future, the announcement of this major commitment will undoubtedly go down as one of the biggest moments in BYU’s basketball history.
The Marriott Center, which has long been a place of magic for BYU fans, can now begin counting down the days until they witness Watkins’ debut in the blue and white.
