The sports world witnessed a unique commitment on December 1, 2023, when rapper Toosii, whose real name is Nau’Jour Grainger, announced his decision to join the Syracuse football team. This surprising turn of events has drawn attention not only from fans of music but also from the college football community.
Toosii’s Athletic Background
Toosii, originally from Syracuse, New York, has a rich background in athletics. Before rising to fame in the music industry, he played high school football in North Carolina. His passion for football has resurfaced as he returns to his roots.
Musical Success
Toosii is well-known for his hit song “Favorite Song,” which achieved double platinum status in 2023 and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. He boasts a substantial following of 4.5 million on Instagram and 3.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Despite his musical career, he has expressed a desire to step back into athletics.
- Double Platinum hit: “Favorite Song”
- Billboard Hot 100 peak: No. 5
- Instagram followers: 4.5 million
- Spotify monthly listeners: 3.9 million
Commitment to Syracuse
In August, Toosii made a public declaration about his intentions to pursue college football. He expressed his ambition to become the first multi-platinum recording artist to play Division I football. His commitment to Syracuse was solidified after a call from Coach Fran Brown, which he interpreted as a divine sign.
Toosii stated, “I’m coming home,” reflecting his excitement about returning to Syracuse after moving to North Carolina at the age of 12. As a receiver, he is now part of the 2026 recruiting class.
Syracuse Football’s Recent Performance
The Syracuse Orange football team had a challenging season in 2025, finishing with a 3-9 record and ending last in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with a 1-7 conference record. In light of the recent changes and new commitments, Syracuse currently ranks 26th in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports, though Grainger has not yet been listed on that site.
As Toosii transitions from music to football, many will be watching his journey closely. His unique path could pave the way for other artists considering similar career shifts.
