BYU adds versatile two-way prospect Peyton Higginson to its 2027 recruiting class

BYU continued its busy recruiting stretch on Monday with the commitment of Salem (Utah) Salem Hills athlete Peyton Higginson, a versatile defender and receiver type who projects as a two-way contributor. Higginson, who said BYU’s staff left a strong impression on his visits, picked the Cougars after narrowing his list that also included Michigan and Utah State.

Higginson is rated a high three-star, according to the recruiting evaluation reported by Yahoo Sports, checking in at an 88 rating and No. 22 nationally. The same report indicates he is drawing interest at receiver and safety, but BYU recruited him specifically to play safety, a detail that helps clarify how the staff intends to use his skill set in its defensive plans.

On the field for Salem Hills, Higginson’s production as a junior reflected the “do-it-all” label his recruitment has followed. The report says he made 81 tackles, intercepted three passes, and also caught 40 balls for 574 yards and nine touchdowns. That combination is the kind of profile that can translate into more than one role once a prospect reaches a college depth chart, even if the primary recruiting pitch is tied to one position group.

In his remarks about choosing BYU, Higginson emphasized both the team environment and the recruiting effort behind his decision. Yahoo Sports reported him saying the first time he was around the Cougars “was special,” and he also pointed to the coaching staff’s character and the support he feels in the BYU community, as well as the proximity to home.

The recruitment itself also carried coaching turnover, which can complicate recruiting relationships. The report described how former defensive coordinator Jay Hill initially recruited Higginson before leaving for Michigan, and that new defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga then took over the pursuit. It also said head coach Kalani Sitake was directly involved and that BYU stayed on Higginson for longer than any other school as the decision approached.

Higginson’s commitment arrives as BYU has built momentum in the 2027 class, with Yahoo Sports pointing to other recent recruiting wins. Over the past week and a half, the report says BYU added edge rusher Uhila Wolfgramm, offensive tackle Kyle Nabrotzky, and wide receiver Blake Wong, suggesting the Cougars are not just targeting one type of prospect but reinforcing multiple needs at the same time.

What to watch next is how quickly Higginson’s role becomes defined on the depth chart. If BYU sticks to its “safety” plan, he could be one of the key pieces in the defensive backfield pipeline as the class develops. For fans, the most immediate storyline will be whether his receiving production converts into a similar ball-getting athleticism from the secondary, and whether BYU’s recruiting pace for 2027 continues at the same speed.