Blog Article
BYU Football 2025 Preview: The Underdogs Are Back
Everyone in college football loves to talk about how BYU Football “overachieved” in 2024.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about the college football landscape, it’s that no team accidentally wins 11 games and an Alamo Bowl.
This Wasn’t Luck, It Was a Statement
BYU’s 2024 campaign was one of the most impressive in recent memory:
- They finished 11-2 overall (7-2 in Big 12 play)
- They claimed a share of first place in just their second Big 12 season
- They dominated Colorado 36-14 in the Alamo Bowl
- They finished ranked #13 in the AP Poll (#14 in Coaches Poll)
- They accomplished all this after being picked to finish 13th in preseason polls
And yet, as we enter 2025, national media projections have the Cougars with an over/under of just 7.5 wins.
The biggest mistake analysts make is thinking BYU’s 2024 success was a fluke.
History shows that Kalani Sitake and his staff consistently develop underrated talent into cohesive units that outperform expectations.
It’s not about star ratings with BYU—it’s about their development system and culture.
Retzlaff: From Gunslinger to Field General?
If there’s one player who embodies BYU’s boom-or-bust potential, it’s quarterback Jake Retzlaff.
The senior signal-caller threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, adding 511 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground. But his 12 interceptions tied for the most in the Big 12.
What most people miss about Retzlaff is his steady improvement curve. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick isn’t mincing words about his expectations, either.
“I expect him to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football next year,” Roderick told reporters after the 2024 season.
The keys for Retzlaff in 2025:
- Improve his 58% completion percentage
- Cut down on his 18 “turnover-worthy” plays
- Maintain his explosive playmaking ability
- Keep his competitive fire that makes him special
The Transfer Portal Giveth and Taketh Away
The transfer portal has dramatically reshaped BYU’s roster for 2025:
Key Departures:
- All-American KR/WR Keelan Marion
- LB Harrison Taggart
- P Landon Rehkow
- DE Nathan Hoke
Impact Arrivals:
- Andrew Gentry (OL, Michigan)
- Keanu Tanuvasa (DL, Utah)
- Carsen Ryan (TE, Utah)
- Tausili Akana (DE, Texas)
- Hunter Clegg (DE, Utah)
The 105-player roster limit has forced BYU to make tough decisions, but their strategic portal moves have prioritized the trenches, addressing their primary weakness from 2024.
2025 Schedule: No Easy Path
BYU’s 2025 schedule features six home and six road games, with two bye weeks.
Home Slate:
- Stanford
- West Virginia
- Utah (Homecoming)
- TCU
- UCF
Road Challenges:
- East Carolina
- Colorado
- Arizona
- Iowa State
- Texas Tech
- Cincinnati
The most brutal stretch comes mid-October through mid-November: Utah, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and TCU in consecutive weeks.
Addressing 2024’s Weaknesses
What is the difference between good and great programs? They’re honest about their flaws.
BYU’s coaching staff has systematically addressed its 2024 shortcomings:
- Offensive Line Depth
- Added transfers Gentry (Michigan) and Jatta (Colorado)
- Return starters Lapuaho, Mitchell, Leausa, and Makasini
- Young players like Thomason and Williams are ready to contribute
- Pass Rush Production
- Added 301-pound DT Tanuvasa from Utah
- Secured edge rusher Akana from Texas
- Brought in Clegg from Utah to bolster the front
- Defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s evolving scheme for personnel
- Third-Down Defense
- Making third downs the top defensive priority
- Linebacker group led by Kelly and Glasker considered best of Sitake era
- Scheme tweaks focused on money-down situations
- Tight End Production
- Added transfer Carsen Ryan from Utah
- Developing young talent like Moeaki and Olsen
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Where Questions Remain
Despite the improvements, several concerns linger:
- Cornerback Depth: Lost a top cornerback, need portal help
- Quarterback Depth: McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet competing for backup role
- Wide Receiver Adjustments: How will the WR room compensate for Marion’s departure?
- Offensive Line Health: Success hinges on Gentry’s recovery
The Bottom Line
Do not be shocked when BYU contends for another Big 12 title in 2025.
The Cougars have quietly built one of the most consistent programs in college football. Their development system maximizes talent, and their culture produces resilient teams.
If Retzlaff takes the next step in his development, the lines hold up, and key transfers make immediate impacts, BYU will surprise the Big 12 again and surpass those 7.5-win projections.
The underdogs are back for another run.
Even if Hot Seat Insiders and BYU die-hards Steve and Renee no longer play “where’s Billy” during every BYU game.
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