In one of the most unexpected crossover moves of the 2026 recruiting cycle, platinum-selling rapper Toosii, whose legal name is Nau’Jour Grainger, has officially committed to play football at Syracuse University, returning to the city where he was born and temporarily stepping away from a thriving music career.
For most artists, touring, charting, and studio sessions define their prime years. But for Grainger, a lifelong athlete before he was a global music star, football was a dream deferred, not forgotten. And at 25, he’s decided to run straight toward it.
“For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality,” he wrote in his announcement. “God’s will is the way and no one can stop it not even the devil… When Coach Fran called, I knew it was a sign from God. So with that being said, Cuse I’m coming home.”
COMMITTED 🙏🏽 For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality. God’s will is the way and no one can stop it not even the devil. I wanna thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for even giving me the strength to chase what I believed when so many people told me I couldn’t. Thank… pic.twitter.com/WUNyvFV4KV
— Toosii (@toosii2x) December 1, 2025
Toosii’s path has been anything but traditional. Born in Syracuse before moving to North Carolina at age 12, he emerged as one of the most emotional voices of rap’s new generation. His breakout hits, Love Cycle (platinum), Poetic Pain (gold), and the 2023 viral mega-hit Favorite Song (double platinum), cemented him as a major force in music.
But before the world knew him as a rapper, Grainger was an athlete.
At Rolesville High School in North Carolina, he played wide receiver and returned kicks, showcasing real speed and athleticism long before his name filled playlists. With his commitment to Syracuse as a wide receiver, he’s officially picking up where he left off.
“To be born in Syracuse and move to North Carolina at age 12 and haven’t been back since… Cuse I’m coming home,” he shared.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown has been aggressively rebuilding the program, and Toosii’s commitment adds both talent and major spotlight.
After announcing his return to football in August, Grainger took visits to NC State and Duke and received a scholarship offer from Sacramento State. But ultimately, coming home meant something more.
With Grainger joining the 2026 class, Syracuse’s momentum continues to build. According to 247Sports, the Orange currently ranks No. 30 nationally and No. 5 in the ACC for the cycle. Adding a high-profile figure like Toosii brings visibility and likely attracts more recruits eager to be part of a rising culture shift.
