1673905965 Isaac Wilson Zachs brother causes holy war meltdown with visit

Isaac Wilson, Zach’s brother, causes ‘holy war’ meltdown with visit to Utah

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Zach Wilson’s brother Isaac is a total baller. He is currently a junior sophomore in high school on a fast track to the next level.

As a two-star recruit, Zach only had five Power Five conference offers and ended up at BYU. Isaac, a four-star prospect, has already received 13 scholarship offers as the No. 12 player in his position in the Class of 2024.

Arizona, Louisville, Miami, Oklahoma State and Oregon are already involved in the youngest of four Wilson brothers, who is getting insanely high in recruiting mail. So does BYU. Just like Utah.

That’s where it gets interesting.

The Cougars and Utes are bitter rivals. The two campuses are separated by 45 miles. BYU is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and approximately 36% of Utah students identify as Latter-day Saints, with more than half having grown up in the faith.

When the two schools meet on the grate, it’s called “The Holy War.” It’s one of the most passionate rivalries in college football.

Mike Wilson, the patriarch, played football in Utah.

Isaac Wilson Zachs brother causes holy war meltdown with visit“Big Mike” Wilson played on the offensive line in Utah. (Image courtesy: @wilsonohana/Twitter)

Lisa Wilson, the matriarch, met her husband while visiting Utah. Zach grew up wanting to play for the Utes and attended Kyle Wittingham’s football camp in 2007.

(Photo courtesy of the Wilson family) BYU quarterback Zach Wilson with current Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham at a camp in Utah in 2007.Young Zach Wilson in Utah. (Image courtesy: Wilson family)

But all three older Wilson brothers played at BYU. Zach played quarterback from 2018-2020, Josh is currently a sophomore linebacker, and Micah is currently a freshman linebacker.

So what happened?

The Wilson family’s move from Red to Blue is well documented. While the whole story goes much deeper, the gist is pretty simple.

Zach was committed to the state of Boise when BYU called and asked if he would like to drive by for a visit. At first it was a hard no.

I said ‘no way, no way. No, not a chance. We’re not going down there. That’s not an option. We had written them off because they hadn’t recruited Zach at all. They hadn’t even sent him a form letter.

– Lisa Wilson, via The Salt Lake Tribune

However, after head coach Kalani Sitake explained why his program had previously had no interest in Zach, the Wilson family reluctantly agreed to visit. They were “treated like royalty” and were pleasantly surprised by the school, its people and staff, Lisa said.

Meanwhile, Utah did not offer Zach a scholarship.

He would have played for the Utes if offered. It was his dream.

But no – not an offer. The rest is history.

Zach committed to BYU and was drafted by the Jets as the No. 2 overall. Josh and Micah followed their eldest brother to Provo.

But where will Isaac Wilson end up?

BYU offered Isaac very early on. The Cougars were among the first programs to do so.

Utah, on the other hand, took some time. Lisa even berated the Utes for their disinterest.

They finally offered in November.

Last weekend, Lisa drove to Salt Lake City with Isaac to visit. She posted a photo with her son and the two Pac-12 championship trophies from the past two years.

Isaac Wilson Zachs brother causes holy war meltdown with visitLisa and Isaac Wilson on the Utah campus. (Image courtesy: @lifeaccording2lisa/Instagram)

As might be expected, the visit caused an absolute meltdown in both fan bases. While there were BYU and Utah fans who were rational about the process, many were not.

Some Utes fans were furious that their school would ever consider offering a traitor. Others were upset that they would be associated with Lisa, who previously “spoke bad” about… *checks notes* her alma mater.

And that doesn’t even scratch the surface.

Meanwhile, BYU fans across the proverbial aisle had an equally vocal reaction.

Many of them used the Utah fans as example why shouldn’t he go there. Some defended the Wilson family. Others were upset that the family is even thinking about a “change of sides” again.

One particular theory stands out.

Lisa told everyone to relax, but no one relaxed. The Utes and Cougars have melted down.

Isaac could decide to sign during the early signing period next December. He may decide to wait until National Signing Day in February 2024. Either way, if he signs up for Utah or BYU — or even commits to either program — the entire Beehive State will implode.