BYU Football: Projected 2025 Starting Lineup
PROVO, Utah – BYU football enters the 2025 season with high expectations.
Following an impressive 11-2 record and a No. 13 final ranking in 2024, which included one of the most dominant bowl wins in program history, BYU now looks ahead to the new season.
Many national analysts have BYU in their “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 rankings for next year.
A major reason is the significant returning talent from last season. However, head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff still have key position battles to sort out this offseason.
Projected BYU Starting Lineup for 2025
With seven months until the August 30 opener against Portland State, here’s an early look at BYU’s potential starters.
Quarterback
Jake Retzlaff
There’s no debate at quarterback for 2025—Jake Retzlaff is the clear leader.
Before last season, Pro Football Focus ranked Retzlaff as the 16th-best QB in the Big 12, fueling his motivation. Expectations will be much higher this year.
During the Alamo Bowl, BYU coaches told ESPN they believe Retzlaff could be a “Top Five quarterback” in 2025.
BYU quarterbacks have historically made big jumps in their final seasons, including Steve Young, Steve Sarkisian, and Zach Wilson.
If Retzlaff can cut down on his 12 interceptions from 2024 and improve his 58% completion rate, BYU could compete for a Big 12 title.
Running Back
LJ Martin
Surprisingly, LJ Martin is already entering his third year at BYU. The Texas native was named Offensive MVP in BYU’s dominant Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.
Martin ran for 88 yards and added 33 receiving yards with two touchdowns in the 36-14 victory.
His challenge is to maintain that level of play throughout an entire season. Injuries (ankle, shoulder) have limited him in Provo, making durability a key focus.
When healthy, Martin has the talent to be one of the Big 12’s top running backs.
Wide Receivers
Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion, Jojo Phillips
Senior Chase Roberts leads this receiving group. After weighing an NFL jump, he chose to return for one more year.
He suffered an upper-body injury in the Alamo Bowl and was seen wearing a sling as recently as late January.
When healthy, Roberts is BYU’s top target. He has led the team in receiving yards for two consecutive years, finishing 2024 with a career-best 854 yards on 52 catches.
His ability to make tough grabs in traffic improved last season, and his role should expand in 2025.
Keelan Marion had 24 touches in BYU’s final four games last season, serving as a versatile weapon.
Jojo Phillips caught 10 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, seeing key targets late in games against Oklahoma State and Arizona State.
There’s no official update yet on Darius Lassiter, who is seeking a JUCO waiver from the NCAA to play in 2025.
BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick recently noted that eligibility rules for JUCO transfers remain uncertain.
Tight End
Carsen Ryan
BYU needs a reliable every-down tight end, and Utah transfer Carsen Ryan could be the answer.
After previous stops at UCLA and Utah, the 6-foot-4, 256-pound Ryan arrives at BYU for his senior year.
Last season at Utah, Ryan recorded 10 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Other tight end options include Ethan Erickson, Noah Moeaki, Antony Olsen, and freshman Tucker Kelleher.
Offensive Line
Isaiah Jatta (LT), Weylin Lapuaho (LG), Bruce Mitchell (C), Kyle Sfarcioc (RG), Andrew Gentry (RT)
Despite key departures, BYU’s offensive line remains talented.
Replacing Caleb Etienne, Brayden Keim, and Connor Pay is a challenge, but the projected starters all have FBS experience.
Weylin Lapuaho is the standout. He has started every game since arriving at BYU and could earn All-Big 12 honor.
Bruce Mitchell is favored to replace Pay at center after excelling in relief last season.
Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry and Southern Utah’s Kyle Sfarcioc round out the lineup.
Isaiah Jatta, a Colorado transfer, takes over at left tackle, continuing BYU’s trend of developing NFL-caliber talent at the position.
Defensive Line
Bodie Schoonover (DE), John Taumoepeau (LDT), Keanu Tanuvasa (RDT), Logan Lutui (OE)
BYU’s defensive line faces questions after losing Tyler Batty, Blake Mangelson, and John Nelson.
A key returner is Logan Lutui, who is pursuing a medical redshirt after an injury-filled 2023 season. He had a breakout game in the Alamo Bowl.
BYU also landed a major transfer in Utah’s Keanu Tanuvasa, who chose BYU over Georgia, Texas, and USC.
Bodie Schoonover and John Taumoepeau round out the projected starting unit.
Linebackers
Isaiah Glasker (SAM), Harrison Taggart (MACK), Jack Kelly (ROVER)
BYU has had legendary linebacker groups in the past, and this trio could be among the best.
BYU retained all three players, ensuring continuity in 2025.
Glasker led the Big 12 in tackles for loss last year.
Kelly, who considered leaving for the NFL, led BYU in sacks with five.
Taggart is the defense’s emotional leader. His early injury against Arizona State was a major setback.
BYU also has solid depth behind them if needed.
Cornerbacks
Mory Bamba, Jonathan Kabeya*
BYU’s secondary faces challenges after losing Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins.
Former JUCO transfer Mory Bamba could help fill the void. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill recently said BYU hopes to have Bamba back in 2025.
If granted an NCAA waiver, Bamba would start. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he has NFL potential.
He showcased his skills in the Alamo Bowl, breaking up a pass against Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
BYU Football: Projected 2025 Starting Lineup
PROVO, Utah – BYU football enters the 2025 season with high expectations.
Following an impressive 11-2 record and a No. 13 final ranking in 2024, which included one of the most dominant bowl wins in program history, BYU now looks ahead to the new season.
Many national analysts have BYU in their “Way-Too-Early” Top 25 rankings for next year.
A major reason is the significant returning talent from last season. However, head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff still have key position battles to sort out this offseason.
Projected BYU Starting Lineup for 2025
With seven months until the August 30 opener against Portland State, here’s an early look at BYU’s potential starters.
Quarterback
Jake Retzlaff
There’s no debate at quarterback for 2025—Jake Retzlaff is the clear leader.
Before last season, Pro Football Focus ranked Retzlaff as the 16th-best QB in the Big 12, fueling his motivation. Expectations will be much higher this year.
During the Alamo Bowl, BYU coaches told ESPN they believe Retzlaff could be a “Top Five quarterback” in 2025.
BYU quarterbacks have historically made big jumps in their final seasons, including Steve Young, Steve Sarkisian, and Zach Wilson.
If Retzlaff can cut down on his 12 interceptions from 2024 and improve his 58% completion rate, BYU could compete for a Big 12 title.
Running Back
LJ Martin
Surprisingly, LJ Martin is already entering his third year at BYU. The Texas native was named Offensive MVP in BYU’s dominant Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.
Martin ran for 88 yards and added 33 receiving yards with two touchdowns in the 36-14 victory.
His challenge is to maintain that level of play throughout an entire season. Injuries (ankle, shoulder) have limited him in Provo, making durability a key focus.
When healthy, Martin has the talent to be one of the Big 12’s top running backs.
Wide Receivers
Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion, Jojo Phillips
Senior Chase Roberts leads this receiving group. After weighing an NFL jump, he chose to return for one more year.
He suffered an upper-body injury in the Alamo Bowl and was seen wearing a sling as recently as late January.
When healthy, Roberts is BYU’s top target. He has led the team in receiving yards for two consecutive years, finishing 2024 with a career-best 854 yards on 52 catches.
His ability to make tough grabs in traffic improved last season, and his role should expand in 2025.
Keelan Marion had 24 touches in BYU’s final four games last season, serving as a versatile weapon.
Jojo Phillips caught 10 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, seeing key targets late in games against Oklahoma State and Arizona State.
There’s no official update yet on Darius Lassiter, who is seeking a JUCO waiver from the NCAA to play in 2025.
BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick recently noted that eligibility rules for JUCO transfers remain uncertain.
Tight End
Carsen Ryan
BYU needs a reliable every-down tight end, and Utah transfer Carsen Ryan could be the answer.
After previous stops at UCLA and Utah, the 6-foot-4, 256-pound Ryan arrives at BYU for his senior year.
Last season at Utah, Ryan recorded 10 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Other tight end options include Ethan Erickson, Noah Moeaki, Antony Olsen, and freshman Tucker Kelleher.
Offensive Line
Isaiah Jatta (LT), Weylin Lapuaho (LG), Bruce Mitchell (C), Kyle Sfarcioc (RG), Andrew Gentry (RT)
Despite key departures, BYU’s offensive line remains talented.
Replacing Caleb Etienne, Brayden Keim, and Connor Pay is a challenge, but the projected starters all have FBS experience.
Weylin Lapuaho is the standout. He has started every game since arriving at BYU and could earn All-Big 12 honors.
Bruce Mitchell is favored to replace Pay at center after excelling in relief last season.
Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry and Southern Utah’s Kyle Sfarcioc round out the lineup.
Isaiah Jatta, a Colorado transfer, takes over at left tackle, continuing BYU’s trend of developing NFL-caliber talent at the position.
Defensive Line
Bodie Schoonover (DE), John Taumoepeau (LDT), Keanu Tanuvasa (RDT), Logan Lutui (OE)
BYU’s defensive line faces questions after losing Tyler Batty, Blake Mangelson, and John Nelson.
A key returner is Logan Lutui, who is pursuing a medical redshirt after an injury-filled 2023 season. He had a breakout game in the Alamo Bowl.
BYU also landed a major transfer in Utah’s Keanu Tanuvasa, who chose BYU over Georgia, Texas, and USC.
Bodie Schoonover and John Taumoepeau round out the projected starting unit.
Linebackers
Isaiah Glasker (SAM), Harrison Taggart (MACK), Jack Kelly (ROVER)
BYU has had legendary linebacker groups in the past, and this trio could be among the best.
BYU retained all three players, ensuring continuity in 2025.
Glasker led the Big 12 in tackles for loss last year.
Kelly, who considered leaving for the NFL, led BYU in sacks with five.
Taggart is the defense’s emotional leader. His early injury against Arizona State was a major setback.
BYU also has solid depth behind them if needed.
Cornerbacks
Mory Bamba, Jonathan Kabeya*
BYU’s secondary faces challenges after losing Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins.
Former JUCO transfer Mory Bamba could help fill the void. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill recently said BYU hopes to have Bamba back in 2025.
If granted an NCAA waiver, Bamba would start. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he has NFL potential.
He showcased his skills in the Alamo Bowl, breaking up a pass against Heisman winner Travis Hunter.
Jonathan Kabeya is projected to start at nickel corner. He quickly rose to the second unit last season and played key snaps in BYU’s win at Baylor.
Evan Johnson would be the next option as a third corner. He was one of the team’s most improved players in 2024.
Safeties
Tanner Wall (FS), Raider Damuni (SS)
Defensive coordinator Jay Hill wants an All-Big 12 safety to emerge.
The favorites for 2025 are Tanner Wall and Raider Damuni.
Wall tied for the team lead in interceptions last season and was BYU’s first Academic All-American since 2010.
Damuni made significant strides last year and played a key role in the Alamo Bowl, recording a sack on Shedeur Sanders.
Sophomores Tommy Prassas and Faletau Satuala, along with redshirt freshman Matthias Leach, will also compete for playing time.
Kicker
Will Ferrin
Ferrin was nearly automatic last season, hitting 24-of-27 field goals, including 4-of-5 from 50+ yards.
His game-winner against Utah cemented his status in BYU lore, earning the nickname “Big Game Bill” from teammates.
A strong 2025 season could put him among the program’s all-time great kickers.
Punter
Sam Vander Haar
The former Pitt transfer secured the starting job last season after competing with Landon Rehkow. He averaged a net of 40.7 yards per punt.
Return Specialists
Punt Returner: Parker Kingston
Kick Returners: Keelan Marion, Enoch Nawahine
Marion was an All-American kick returner, and Kingston was one of the nation’s top punt returners. BYU’s return game remains strong heading into 2025.
onathan Kabeya is projected to start at nickel corner. He quickly rose to the second unit last season and played key snaps in BYU’s win at Baylor.
Evan Johnson would be the next option as a third corner. He was one of the team’s most improved players in 2024.
Safeties
Tanner Wall (FS), Raider Damuni (SS) Defensive coordinator Jay Hill wants an All-Big 12 safety to emerge.
The favorites for 2025 are Tanner Wall and Raider Damuni.
Wall tied for the team lead in interceptions last season and was BYU’s first Academic All-American since 2010.
Damuni made significant strides last year and played a key role in the Alamo Bowl, recording a sack on Shedeur Sanders.
Sophomores Tommy Prassas and Faletau Satuala, along with redshirt freshman Matthias Leach, will also compete for playing time.
Kicker
Will Ferrin
Ferrin was nearly automatic last season, hitting 24-of-27 field goals, including 4-of-5 from 50+ yards.
His game-winner against Utah cemented his status in BYU lore, earning the nickname “Big Game Bill” from teammates.
A strong 2025 season could put him among the program’s all-time great kickers.
Punter
Sam Vander Haar
The former Pitt transfer secured the starting job last season after competing with Landon Rehkow. He averaged a net of 40.7 yards per punt.
Return Specialists
Punt Returner: Parker Kingston
Kick Returners: Keelan Marion, Enoch Nawahine
Marion was an All-American kick returner, and Kingston was one of the nation’s top punt returners. BYU’s return game remains strong heading into 2025.