You’re 16, lacing up your cleats under the California sun at Mater Dei High School, and every time you catch a pass, you know someone—somewhere—is scribbling your name on a college recruiting list. That’s my world right now. I’m Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, a wide receiver who’s 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, and trying to figure out how my love for football turned into this crazy ride. I’ve got a goofy grin that doesn’t quit, a family that keeps me grounded, and a dream that’s bigger than the Santa Ana skyline. Coaches say I’m fast, fans say I’m fun to watch, but to me? I’m just a kid who loves running routes and making plays.

Growing Up a Monarch

Mater Dei’s my home turf—it’s where legends like Bryce Young used to ball out, and now it’s my turn. I’m out there with my best bud, Chris Henry Jr., who’s already locked in with Ohio State for 2026. We're like brothers, just going at each other all practice. My sophomore year last season, I caught 33 passes for 512 yards and six touchdowns—each touchdown was like fireworks in my chest. That 44-yard catch, sprinting down the sideline, hearing the crowd go wild. It's not about the numbers, though. When I'm out there, helmet on, the world sort of disappears and I'm just playing the game I've loved since I was a little kid, throwing a ball around in the backyard with my dad.

The Offers Piling Up

It all started back in 2022 when Georgia Tech hit me up with an offer—my first big “whoa” moment. I was like, “Me? Really?” Since then, it’s been nonstop—over 30 schools now, and I’m still pinching myself. Alabama called in January 2024, Ohio State’s been texting me like we’re old pals, and Texas made me feel like a king when I visited. Even USC, right down the road, jumped in last month at their Junior Day. “You’re our guy,” they said, and I couldn’t stop smiling. I grew up watching these teams on TV, screaming at the screen with my cousins, and now they’re asking me to come play for them. It’s wild—sometimes I just sit there, staring at my phone, wondering how this is my life.

Road Trips and Big Decisions

Kayden’s not just sitting back and letting the offers pile up—he’s hitting the road to see what’s out there. Last October, he trekked to Colorado and couldn’t stop talking about the vibe in Boulder. “The mountains, the energy—it was dope,” he said, eyes wide. He’s been to Ohio State for their opener against Akron, soaking in the Horseshoe with Chris by his side, and he’s popped in on Oregon, Texas, and Alabama, too.

This summer, he’s got official visits lined up—Alabama in May, Ohio State and USC in June, Texas right after, and Oregon to cap it off. That last stop in Eugene feels big—he’s already got buddies from Mater Dei on the Ducks’ roster, and Coach Dan Lanning’s been making him feel like family. “I just want to find a place where I fit,” Kayden told 247Sports. “Somewhere I can grow, play my game, and feel at home.”

In October 2024, he narrowed his list to 10: Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and UCLA. It wasn’t easy cutting teams out—he’s the type who hates letting people down—but he’s got a plan. After those summer visits, he’ll sit down with his family, maybe over his mom’s cooking, and figure out where his heart’s at.

Who He Really Is

Kayden’s more than a highlight reel. Coaches rave about his speed and hands—analyst Greg Biggins calls him “an elite playmaker out West”—but it’s his vibe that stands out. He’s the guy cracking jokes in the locker room, the one who’ll stay late to run routes with a teammate. At Mater Dei, where the pressure’s always on, he’s learned to keep his cool. “Football’s fun,” he says simply. “I just want to keep it that way.”

He’s tight with his family, too—they’re his rock through all this recruiting chaos. When USC offered, he called his parents first, laughing about how they might not have to travel far to see him play. But whether it’s L.A., Columbus, or Eugene, Kayden’s chasing something bigger: a chance to make his mark.

What’s Next?

Right now, on March 15, 2025, Kayden’s still uncommitted, soaking in his junior year and eyeing those summer visits. Ohio State’s got the teammate angle, Oregon’s got the family feel, Texas and USC are pulling hard, and Alabama’s not backing down. Wherever he lands, you can bet he’ll bring that same energy—big plays, bigger smiles.

For Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, this isn’t just about picking a school. It’s about finding a home, a future, and a shot at turning his Mater Dei dreams into something real. The football world’s watching, but he’s just enjoying the ride—one visit, one catch, one step at a time.