Rapper Toosii Commits to Syracuse Football for the 2026 Season

Nau’jour “Toosii” Grainger, a prominent rapper known for his viral hit "Favorite Song," shocked fans by announcing his commitment to Syracuse University’s football team for the upcoming 2026 season. This unexpected move blends the worlds of music and sports in a unique way, making headlines across various platforms.

An Unconventional Commitment Announcement

On December 1, 2025, Toosii took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his decision with a heartfelt message:

"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."

Grainger’s emotional commitment post has garnered significant attention, especially considering his successful music career with 3.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

A Dual Career

Before pursuing his music career, Toosii played as a wide receiver and kick returner at Rolesville High School in North Carolina, graduating in 2018. Initially, he had dreams of continuing his football journey, and he received interest from several schools after announcing his return to football in August 2025. He visited notable programs like Duke and North Carolina State, and received a scholarship offer from Sacramento State.

Music to Football: The Transition

• Viral Success: Grainger’s single "Favorite Song" reached No. 5 on the Hot 100 and achieved double-platinum status after going viral on TikTok in 2023.
• Chasing History: He aims to be the first multi-platinum artist to play football for a Division I institution, highlighting his unique path.

Support and Motivation

Toosii expressed gratitude toward his supporters and emphasized the significance of returning to his roots in Syracuse:

"To be born in Syracuse and move to North Carolina at age 12 and haven’t been back since… when Coach Fran [Brown] called, I knew it was a sign from God. So with that being said, Cuse I’m coming home."

Syracuse Football’s Current State

Toosii’s commitment brings optimism to a Syracuse football program that struggled in the latter half of the 2025 season.

Season Summary

• Start: The Orange began with a promising 3-1 record, including a major victory against Clemson.
• Setback: A catastrophic injury to starting quarterback Steve Angeli led to a devastating end, with Syracuse losing their last eight games.
• Final Game: On November 22, Syracuse suffered a crushing 70-7 defeat to Notre Dame, marking a low point for the season.

Looking Forward

With Toosii’s commitment, Syracuse fans have a glimmer of hope as they gear up for the 2026 season. His dual career as an artist and athlete will undoubtedly generate excitement and interest in the program. As Grainger himself stated, "mark my words," indicating high aspirations not just for personal success but also for his team.

Fans and followers can look forward to an unconventional yet inspiring journey as Toosii navigates his return to the football field while balancing a flourishing music career.