In a stunning move that blurs the lines between music and athletics, multi-platinum recording artist Nau’jour “Toosii” Grainger has announced his commitment to play college football for Syracuse University. The 25-year-old rapper, who boasts millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms, plans to suit up for the Orange in the 2026 NCAA season.
An Unprecedented Path to the Field
The recruitment of a 25-year-old is highly unusual in the world of college football, making Toosii's commitment one of the most unique stories of the year. The artist announced his decision on social media on Monday, December 1, 2025, expressing that the opportunity felt like a divine sign. "When Coach Fran (Brown) called, I knew it was a sign from God," Grainger wrote. "So with that being said, Cuse I’m coming home."
His connection to Syracuse is personal; he was born there before moving to North Carolina at age 12. Before pursuing music, Grainger was a standout football player at Rolesville High School in North Carolina, graduating with the class of 2018. He played as a dual-threat wide receiver and kick returner but chose to chase a career in rap instead of accepting college offers at the time.
From Viral Music Hit to Football Comeback
That musical gamble paid off handsomely. Toosii's career skyrocketed when his single "Favorite Song" went viral on TikTok in 2023. The track reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved double-platinum status, cementing his place in the industry with over 3.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Despite his music success, the pull of football remained. In recent months, Grainger actively pursued a return to the sport, sharing workout clips and receiving scholarship offers. He was reportedly in demand by several programs, including an offer from Sacramento State and recruiting visits to Duke and North Carolina State.
Joining a Program in Transition
Toosii will join a Syracuse Orange team looking to rebound. The 2025 season started promisingly at 3-1, including a significant win over Clemson. However, the season was derailed after starting quarterback Steve Angeli tore his Achilles tendon in September. The team subsequently lost its final eight games to finish with a 3-9 record.
Grainger's commitment is a high-profile vote of confidence in head coach Fran Brown's program. In his social media announcement, the rapper framed his journey as an inspiration, stating, "For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality." His unprecedented path from chart-topping artist to collegiate athlete is set to be one of the most watched stories when he takes the field in 2026.
