In a surprising career pivot, multi-platinum recording artist Toosii has announced he is putting his music on hold to pursue American football, committing to play for Syracuse University.
From the Studio to the Gridiron
The 25-year-old rapper, born Nau'Jour Grainger, made the announcement in a social media post on Monday, 2 December 2025. A source familiar with the decision later confirmed the news to The Associated Press, speaking anonymously as the university had not yet made an official release.
"COMMITTED. For every kid who ever had a dream, make it reality," Toosii wrote online. He credited a call from Syracuse head coach Fran Brown as a divine sign, adding, "When Coach Fran called, I knew it was a sign from God. So with that being said, Cuse I’m coming home."
A Return to Roots and Sport
This move represents a full-circle moment for the artist. Toosii grew up in Syracuse before moving to Raleigh, North Carolina, and played as a wide receiver during his high school years. He initially put football aside in 2017 to focus on building his music career.
His exploration of a return to the sport began this summer, including an official visit to the University of Maryland in August. He solidified his choice after a recent official visit to Syracuse, where he attended the team's season-ending 34-12 loss to Boston College. Photos shared by the rapper show him wearing a Syracuse Orange No. 2 jersey from that visit.
It is currently unclear whether he has been offered an athletic scholarship or will join the programme as a walk-on player.
A Successful Music Career on Pause
Toosii leaves behind a highly successful music career, having broken through in 2023 with the hit single "Favorite Song." The track peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Both of his studio albums have charted successfully:
- "Poetic Pain" (2020) broke into the top 20 of the U.S. charts.
- "Naujour" (2023) also reached the top 20 and has been certified gold.
He has collaborated with major artists including Wiz Khalifa, DaBaby, and Khalid.
The Challenge at Syracuse
Toosii joins a Syracuse programme looking to rebuild under Coach Brown. The Orange finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record, losing their final eight games. A significant blow was the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Steve Angeli, who suffered a torn left Achilles tendon.
This unconventional move from the charts to the college football field will be one of the most closely watched stories of the upcoming off-season.
