SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In a stunning crossover from the world of hip-hop to the gridiron, platinum-selling rapper Toosii announced his commitment to Syracuse University's football program on Monday, marking one of the most unconventional recruiting stories in recent college sports history.
Nau'Jour Youngblood Grainger, the 25-year-old artist known professionally as Toosii, revealed his decision to pause his burgeoning music career and return to his football roots as a wide receiver for the Orange. Born in Syracuse, Grainger relocated to North Carolina at age 12, where he balanced early pursuits in music with stints on the high school football field at Rolesville High School. There, he showcased his athleticism as a wide receiver and kick returner before fully dedicating himself to his musical ambitions.
Toosii's rise in the rap scene has been meteoric. His 2020 breakout single "Love Cycle" achieved platinum status, followed by the gold-certified "Poetic Pain" from the same year. In 2023, "Favorite Song" exploded in popularity on TikTok, eventually earning double platinum certification and solidifying his place in contemporary R&B and hip-hop circles.
The commitment comes after Grainger publicly expressed his intent to revive his football career in August, prompting interest from Syracuse head coach Fran Brown. A subsequent campus visit led to a scholarship offer, which Grainger accepted in a heartfelt social media post.
"For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality," Grainger wrote. "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 you to the people who supported me as well, it never go unnoticed. To be born in Syracuse and move to North Carolina at age 12 and haven't been back since. When Coach Fran called, I knew it was a sign from God. So with that being said, Cuse I'm coming home."
This homecoming adds a dynamic talent to Syracuse's 2026 recruiting class, which currently ranks No. 30 nationally and fifth within the Atlantic Coast Conference, according to 247Sports Team Rankings. While Grainger's age and professional background make him an outlier in traditional recruiting, his local ties and raw athletic potential could provide an immediate spark for the Orange, who are rebuilding under Brown following a challenging 2024 campaign.
Syracuse fans, already buzzing on social media about the viral news, will now watch as Toosii trades studio sessions for spring practices. Whether this marks a permanent pivot or a chapter in an even more eclectic career remains to be seen, but for now, the rapper-turned-receiver is set to suit up in orange.