2025 College Football Big 12 Team Previews: BYU Cougars

Team: BYU
Mascot: Cougars
Student Population: 35,743
Established: 1875
Motto: The glory of God is intelligence
Location: Provo, Utah
Head Coach: Kalani Sitake
Offensive Coordinator: Aaron Roderick
Defensive Coordinator: Jay Hill
2024 Record: 11-2

Rankings

SP+: 27
FPI: 29
Kelly Ford: 30

Power Rankings

CBS Sports: 3

The Cougars were an ill-timed Jake Retzlaff interception away from going to the CFP last season, and should again be one of the best teams in the country. The Cougars are top 25 in returning offensive production, including Retzlaff and receiver Chase Roberts. They have a few holes to fill in the defensive trenches, but BYU should be able to replicate its breakout 2024 campaign. (+800)

SB Nation: 8

The good news for BYU is that they return QB Jake Retzlaff and both coordinators. Keeping DC Jay Hill around is huge after what he did for the defense last season. I’m a fan of RB LJ Martin, and with him returning there’s some production in the backfield for the Cougars.

The bad news is, well…there’s a LOT to be replaced from last years’ team. 12 of 18 players with extensive playing time have left the portal according to ESPN, and a lot of that defensive production has entered the portal or left for the draft. LB Jack Kelly is a phenomenal player, but the Cougars will have to find answers from elsewhere on defense. Portaling DTs Justin Kirkland and Keanu Tanuvasa should help offset some of the big losses up front, but I have a couple questions about their pass rush. I do think Hill and head coach Kalani Sitake are very good, but all of the attrition could push them down the Big 12 this season.

24/7 Sports: 5

BYU finds itself a bit underrated despite an 11-win campaign in 2024 and plenty of returning production on the offensive side. Head coach Kalani Sitake leads a gritty group into 2025 that returns star quarterback Jake Retzlaff, as well as leading rusher LJ Martin and top receiver Chase Roberts. The Cougars should be in the Big 12 title race once again when November rolls around, but the schedule definitely presents its fair share of challenges — something that could test the consistency of BYU early.

Transfer Class Rankings

24/7 Sports: National Rank 85 | Big 12 Rank 16 (13 players)
Rivals: National Rank N/R | Big 12 Rank 16 (8 players)

Miscellaneous

Bovada Win Totals: 7.5

Athlon Big 12 Predictions: 7

BYU improved its win total by six (5-7 to 11-2) in its second trip through the Big 12. Coach Kalani Sitake’s squad also just missed a spot in the conference title game after late losses to Arizona State and Kansas. Although there are holes to fill, the Cougars should remain in the mix for the Big 12 Championship.

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff’s development was instrumental to BYU’s improvement last season. However, his ‘25 status is uncertain due to a civil lawsuit filed in May. McCae Hillstead, Stanford transfer Bear Bachmeier, and Treyson Bourguet round out the other quarterback options for coordinator Aaron Roderick. Running back LJ Martin (718 yards) is a rising star in the backfield, while Chase Roberts returns as the No. 1 target with Darius Lassiter and Keelan Marion (transfer to Miami) departing. Three starters are also gone from the line of scrimmage.

Sitake and coordinator Jay Hill guided BYU’s defense to No. 1 in the Big 12 in fewest yards per play allowed (4.9) and 19.6 points a contest. Maintaining that production with three returning starters won’t be easy. However, the two-deep is still stocked with talent, including linebackers Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly, and defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa. A rebuilt secondary is the biggest concern for Sitake.