Who is Toosii?
Toosii — real name Nau’Jour Lazier Grainger — is a U.S. rapper, singer, and songwriter whose journey has taken a dramatic turn. Born in Syracuse, New York, in 2000, Grainger moved to Raleigh, North Carolina at age 13, where he began pursuing music seriously while playing high school football.
Toosii’s breakout came with his 2023 single Favorite Song, which went viral largely via TikTok, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning double-platinum status. His earlier album Poetic Pain reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200, illustrating his rapid rise in the music industry.
The Unexpected Pivot: Rapper → College Football Recruit
In August 2025, Toosii shocked both fans and the sports world by announcing his decision to pause his music career and pursue college football instead.
He began recording himself training intensively — running routes, catching passes, doing agility drills at the facilities of NC State Wolfpack — signaling his seriousness about returning to the gridiron.
On December 1, 2025, Toosii formally committed to play for Syracuse Orange, the college football team of Syracuse University. In his announcement, he described the move as a “coming home” and said that the call from head coach Fran Brown Jr. felt like “a sign from God.”
Football Back-story & Position: What We Know
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High School Football Experience: Before his music took off, Toosii played football at Rolesville High School in Raleigh, North Carolina. There, he served mainly as a wide receiver, and sometimes as a kick or punt returner.
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Current Position at Syracuse: All recent reporting points to Toosii continuing in the wide receiver role at Syracuse.
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Remaining Eligibility & Unique Path: At 25 years old — older than a typical college freshman — Toosii likely retains full NCAA eligibility. His move is viewed as unusual, but also historic: he may become the first multi-platinum artist to play NCAA Division I football.
What This Means for Syracuse & College Football
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Buzz & Publicity for the Team: Toosii’s commitment brings massive mainstream attention to Syracuse — combining music-industry fame, social-media influence, and athletic ambition. For a program that struggled in the 2025 season, this could energize the fan base and recruit interest.
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A Unique Narrative of Redemption & Return: For many fans, Toosii’s story is inspiring — a former youth athlete turned music star, now returning to chase a childhood dream. It underscores that athletic ambitions don’t always follow linear paths.
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Challenges Ahead: Transitioning from music and sporadic high-school football to high-level Division I competition is a massive leap. His age, fitness, consistency, and adaptation to team dynamics will all be under scrutiny.
Conclusion: Toosii’s Next Chapter — More Than Music
Toosii’s shift from chart-topping rapper to college football wide receiver for Syracuse is one of those rare stories that blur the lines between entertainment, sport, and personal ambition. Whether he becomes a star on the field or not, his journey is already reshaping how we view career pivots — and reminding fans that passion and perseverance can take you places, even if they’re unexpected.
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