Projected Depth Chart for BYU’s Defensive Line in 2025
BYU Defensive Line vs. Baylor
On Saturday, veteran BYU defensive end Logan Lutui revealed his decision to return for the 2025 season. Lutui, who started three games for BYU in 2024, will be by far the most experienced defensive end on the roster. His return significantly impacts the projected depth chart for BYU’s defensive line in 2025. While Spring camp will provide more clarity, today we’re making an early prediction on how the defensive line depth chart could shape up.
A few weeks ago, our early roster projections suggested that BYU could bring in up to 11 new players to the defensive line group.
BYU Defensive Line Depth Chart
Defensive Ends
Logan Lutui
Ephraim Asiata OR Kinilau Fonohema
The competition for starting defensive end spots will be among the most intense battles during Spring and Fall camps.
These decisions may come down to potential versus experience. BYU’s most seasoned defensive ends are Logan Lutui and Bodie Schoonover. However, the players with the highest potential include Hunter Clegg, Tausili Akana, Kinilau Fonohema, and Viliami Po’uha.
In this early projection, we have Viliami Po’uha securing one of the starting roles. Despite limited snaps last season, Po’uha recorded six quarterback pressures on just 35 pass-rush attempts. His 17% pressure rate was the highest among BYU defensive linemen, while Lutui and Schoonover posted 4% and 6%, respectively. Po’uha will be a key player to watch in Spring, and his size could allow him to shift inside if needed.
On the opposite side, we predict Logan Lutui will start at defensive end, with BYU’s coaching staff likely relying on his experience.
Several questions remain about the rest of the depth chart. Will Hunter Clegg be ready for extended reps less than a year after returning from a mission? Can Tausili Akana add enough weight to be an every-down defensive end? Can Ephraim Asiata bulk up to earn a rotational role? Kinilau Fonohema was a highly sought-after recruit from Springville High—will he be prepared as a redshirt freshman? Can Bodie Schoonover establish himself as a full-time contributor?
If no one steps up, BYU could consider shifting Jack Kelly from linebacker to defensive end. Kelly played defensive end at Weber State and lined up there multiple times against Colorado.
BYU will need to resolve several uncertainties at defensive end during Spring camp.
Defensive Tackles
John Taumoepeau OR Anisi Purcell
Luke Toomalatai
Utah transfer Keanu Tanuvasa was likely BYU’s most crucial transfer addition. Tanuvasa, a two-year starter at Utah, is expected to immediately secure a starting spot on BYU’s defensive line in 2025.
The other starting defensive tackle role remains undecided. It’s likely that a few defensive ends will transition inside. Due to his frame, we project Sani Tuala making the move to defensive tackle.
Anisi Purcell, a transfer from SUU, will also be in the mix. A two-year starter, Purcell played in 19 of 21 games from 2023 to 2024, accumulating 52 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. He also recorded 58 quarterback pressures over the past two seasons.
Listed at 265 pounds as a defensive end at Southern Utah, Purcell is expected to transition inside to defensive tackle, given BYU’s needs at the position. In 2024, BYU successfully converted defensive ends into defensive tackles, and they may adopt a similar approach in 2025. Purcell is a strong candidate for a starting role.
John Taumoepeau and Luke Toomalatai were rotational contributors in 2024 and are set to return in 2025. Taumoepeau logged more snaps than Toomalatai last season, so we give him a slight edge in the competition for a starting position.