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:

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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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Friday Night Lights, College Football Preview: Upsets Brewing, Showdowns Looming, and Swagger Overflowing

BYU and SMU Collide in a Big 12-ACC Showdown That’ll Leave You Buzzing

A Short Week, High Stakes, and a Whole Lotta Texas Swagger

Dallas, baby. Where else would you want to kick off a Friday night college football fiesta? This ain’t your grandpa’s BYU-SMU matchup, folks. We’ve got Big 12 ambition clashing with ACC aspirations, all under the dazzling Friday night lights.

BYU: The Cougars Ain’t Kitten Around

Kalani Sitake’s crew rolls into town with a swagger that says, “We’re Big 12 now, y’all.” They steamrolled Southern Illinois, but this isn’t Carbondale. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff looked sharp in Week 1, but can he sling it against a real defense? And let’s talk about that BYU run game – it’s like a two-headed monster with LJ Martin and Hinckley Ropati. SMU’s defense better be ready to rumble.

Sitake’s got his eye on:

  • SMU’s quarterback carousel: They’ve got two dudes back there, and Sitake’s defense needs to be ready for anything.
  • Finishing drives: The Cougars left some points on the field last week. That won’t fly against a hungry Mustangs squad.
  • Special teams: It’s not glamorous, but those return yards matter. Sitake wants to see some juice.

SMU: Mustangs Lookin’ to Gallop

Rhett Lashlee’s Mustangs are the Vegas favorites, and they’re chomping at the bit to show the ACC what they’re made of. They squeaked by Nevada, then ran wild against Houston Christian. Now, they’re facing a real test in BYU.

Lashlee’s got his mind on:

  • Picking a QB: Is it Preston Stone or Kevin Jennings? Lashlee needs to make a call, and he needs to make it fast.
  • Balance: The Mustangs’ ground game was dominant last week, but they can’t forget about the passing attack.
  • BYU’s multiple threats: This ain’t no one-trick pony offense. Lashlee’s defense needs to be prepared for anything.
  • History: SMU is 0-4 all-time against BYU. Time to break that streak.

The Hot Seat Sizzle

Neither coach is sweating bullets yet, but this game could set the tone for their seasons. A BYU win would send shockwaves through the Big 12, while SMU needs a victory to prove they belong in the ACC.

So grab your popcorn, folks. This Friday night showdown in Dallas is going to be a good one.

Prediction: It will be close, but I’m giving the edge to SMU. They’re at home, they’re motivated, and they’ve got something to prove. Mustangs win a nail-biter, 31-28.

Hoosiers Look to Roll Against Leathernecks in Lopsided Matchup

Bloomington, Indiana: Where the expectations are sky-high, but the schedule… well, let’s just say it’s a bit softer than advertised.

Indiana: FCS Foes, No Sweat

Curt Cignetti arrived in Bloomington preaching a winning culture. He even got off to a hot start, snagging a W in his debut. But now, instead of gearing up for a Louisville showdown, they’re hosting Western Illinois. Look, the Hoosiers are supposed to dominate this one. They’ve got a 14-game winning streak against FCS teams, and Western Illinois is riding a 25-game losing skid. This ain’t David vs Goliath; it’s more like Goliath vs. Goliath’s little cousin who’s still learning to tie his shoes.

Cignetti’s got his mind on:

  • Keeping the starters healthy: This is a tune-up game, folks. There’s no need to risk anyone for a blowout.
  • Tayven Jackson’s debut: If the score gets out of hand, it’s time for the redshirt sophomore QB to get some reps. He’s the future, after all.
  • Not looking ahead: Easy to say, harder to do when you’re facing a team that gave up 700 yards last week.

Western Illinois: Leathernecks Looking for a Miracle

Bless their hearts, the Leathernecks are in a tough spot. They’re facing a Big Ten team on the road and haven’t won a game since October 2021. This is the kind of matchup where you hope to keep it respectable, maybe force a turnover or two, and pray for a miracle.

The Coaching Landscape

Cignetti’s still in the honeymoon phase, building his program and establishing his culture. This game is more about fine-tuning and giving younger players a chance to shine. For Western Illinois’ coach, Myers Hendrickson, every game is a chance to build towards that elusive victory and turn the tide for his program.

The Elephant in the Room

Indiana fans were looking forward to Power Five opponent, Louisville. Instead, they got Western Illinois. This scheduling change has raised eyebrows and left a sour taste in some mouths.

Prediction: Indiana wins big. Like, really big. 52-10. The only drama will be how long the starters play and whether Tayven Jackson gets his moment in the spotlight.

Friday Night Lights, Big Ten – ACC Style (With a Dash of Southern Charm)

This ain’t your typical Friday night lights matchup. We’ve got the Duke Blue Devils, fresh off a win in Manny Diaz’s debut, heading north to Evanston to tangle with the Northwestern Wildcats. And let me tell ya, there’s more intrigue here than a season of “Friday Night Lights” – Coach Taylor would be proud.

Northwestern: Breaking the Streak, Building a Legacy

David Braun’s got the reins at Northwestern, and he’s aiming to do more than break their five-game losing streak against Duke. He’s looking to build a legacy. Breaking that streak is a damn good start. They squeaked by UTEP in Week 1, but can they handle Duke’s high-flying offense? QB Mike Wright needs to hold onto the ball (two fumbles last week, yikes!), and that defense better be ready for a shootout.

Duke: New Coach, New QB, Same Old Swagger

Manny Diaz has brought a Texas-sized swagger to Durham, and QB Maalik Murphy is slinging it like he’s back in the Lone Star State. They rolled over Elon in Week 1, but Northwestern’s defense is a different beast. Can Murphy keep the magic going on the road? And let’s not forget about that Duke defense – they racked up eight sacks last week. Northwestern’s O-line better bring their A-game.

The Hot Seat Sizzle

Braun’s in his first full season, so the seat’s not exactly scorching yet, but a win against an ACC opponent would sure make a statement. As for Diaz, he’s got that new coach glow, but a loss here could dim the lights a bit.

X-Factors

  • The Weather: It’s gonna be rainy in Evanston. Advantage: Northwestern’s ground game.
  • Turnovers: Both teams need to protect the ball. A sloppy game could swing the momentum.
  • Home Field Advantage: Northwestern’s got the crowd on their side. Will it be enough?

Prediction: This one’s gonna be a nail-biter. I’m leaning towards Northwestern in an upset. They’re hungry, they’re at home, and that rain could play right into their hands. Wildcats win a close one, 20-17.

Schedule – Friday, September 6

All Times are PDT

BYU at SMU

Time: 4:00 PM

Watch on: ESPN2

Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium

Western Illinois vs Indiana

Time: 4:00 PM

Watch on: Big Ten Network

Location: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN)

Duke vs Northwestern

Time: 6:00 PM

Watch on: Fox Sports 1

Location: Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium

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