BYU Football: Projected 2025 Starting Lineup<\/p>\n
PROVO, Utah \u2013 BYU football enters the 2025 season with high expectations.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Many national analysts have BYU in their \u201cWay-Too-Early\u201d Top 25 rankings for next year.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Projected BYU Starting Lineup for 2025<\/p>\n
With seven months until the August 30 opener against Portland State, here\u2019s an early look at BYU\u2019s potential starters.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Quarterback<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Jake Retzlaff<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no debate at quarterback for 2025\u2014Jake Retzlaff is the clear leader.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
During the Alamo Bowl, BYU coaches told ESPN they believe Retzlaff could be a \u201cTop Five quarterback\u201d in 2025.<\/p>\n
BYU quarterbacks have historically made big jumps in their final seasons, including Steve Young, Steve Sarkisian, and Zach Wilson.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Running Back<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
LJ Martin<\/p>\n
Surprisingly, LJ Martin is already entering his third year at BYU. The Texas native was named Offensive MVP in BYU\u2019s dominant Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.<\/p>\n
Martin ran for 88 yards and added 33 receiving yards with two touchdowns in the 36-14 victory.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
When healthy, Martin has the talent to be one of the Big 12\u2019s top running backs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Wide Receivers<\/p>\n
Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion, Jojo Phillips<\/p>\n
Senior Chase Roberts leads this receiving group. After weighing an NFL jump, he chose to return for one more year.<\/p>\n
He suffered an upper-body injury in the Alamo Bowl and was seen wearing a sling as recently as late January.<\/p>\n
When healthy, Roberts is BYU\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
His ability to make tough grabs in traffic improved last season, and his role should expand in 2025.<\/p>\n
Keelan Marion had 24 touches in BYU\u2019s final four games last season, serving as a versatile weapon.<\/p>\n
Jojo Phillips caught 10 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, seeing key targets late in games against Oklahoma State and Arizona State.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no official update yet on Darius Lassiter, who is seeking a JUCO waiver from the NCAA to play in 2025.<\/p>\n
BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick recently noted that eligibility rules for JUCO transfers remain uncertain.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Tight End<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Carsen Ryan<\/p>\n
BYU needs a reliable every-down tight end, and Utah transfer Carsen Ryan could be the answer.<\/p>\n
After previous stops at UCLA and Utah, the 6-foot-4, 256-pound Ryan arrives at BYU for his senior year.<\/p>\n
Last season at Utah, Ryan recorded 10 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n
Other tight end options include Ethan Erickson, Noah Moeaki, Antony Olsen, and freshman Tucker Kelleher.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Offensive Line<\/p>\n
Isaiah Jatta (LT), Weylin Lapuaho (LG), Bruce Mitchell (C), Kyle Sfarcioc (RG), Andrew Gentry (RT)<\/p>\n
Despite key departures, BYU\u2019s offensive line remains talented.<\/p>\n
Replacing Caleb Etienne, Brayden Keim, and Connor Pay is a challenge, but the projected starters all have FBS experience.<\/p>\n
Weylin Lapuaho is the standout. He has started every game since arriving at BYU and could earn All-Big 12 honor.<\/p>\n
Bruce Mitchell is favored to replace Pay at center after excelling in relief last season.<\/p>\n
Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry and Southern Utah\u2019s Kyle Sfarcioc round out the lineup.<\/p>\n
Isaiah Jatta, a Colorado transfer, takes over at left tackle, continuing BYU\u2019s trend of developing NFL-caliber talent at the position.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Defensive Line<\/p>\n
Bodie Schoonover (DE), John Taumoepeau (LDT), Keanu Tanuvasa (RDT), Logan Lutui (OE)<\/p>\n
BYU\u2019s defensive line faces questions after losing Tyler Batty, Blake Mangelson, and John Nelson.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
BYU also landed a major transfer in Utah\u2019s Keanu Tanuvasa, who chose BYU over Georgia, Texas, and USC.<\/p>\n
Bodie Schoonover and John Taumoepeau round out the projected starting unit.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Linebackers<\/p>\n
Isaiah Glasker (SAM), Harrison Taggart (MACK), Jack Kelly (ROVER)<\/p>\n
BYU has had legendary linebacker groups in the past, and this trio could be among the best.<\/p>\n
BYU retained all three players, ensuring continuity in 2025.<\/p>\n
Glasker led the Big 12 in tackles for loss last year.<\/p>\n
Kelly, who considered leaving for the NFL, led BYU in sacks with five.<\/p>\n
Taggart is the defense\u2019s emotional leader. His early injury against Arizona State was a major setback.<\/p>\n
BYU also has solid depth behind them if needed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Cornerbacks<\/p>\n
Mory Bamba, Jonathan Kabeya*<\/p>\n
BYU\u2019s secondary faces challenges after losing Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins.<\/p>\n
Former JUCO transfer Mory Bamba could help fill the void. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill recently said BYU hopes to have Bamba back in 2025.<\/p>\n
If granted an NCAA waiver, Bamba would start. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he has NFL potential.<\/p>\n
He showcased his skills in the Alamo Bowl, breaking up a pass against Heisman winner Travis Hunter.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u00a0BYU Football: Projected 2025 Starting Lineup<\/strong><\/p>\n PROVO, Utah<\/strong> \u2013 BYU football enters the 2025 season with high expectations.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Many national analysts have BYU in their \u201cWay-Too-Early\u201d Top 25 rankings for next year.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n With seven months until the August 30 opener against Portland State, here\u2019s an early look at BYU\u2019s potential starters.<\/p>\n Jake Retzlaff<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s no debate at quarterback for 2025\u2014Jake Retzlaff is the clear leader.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n During the Alamo Bowl, BYU coaches told ESPN they believe Retzlaff could be a \u201cTop Five quarterback\u201d in 2025.<\/p>\n BYU quarterbacks have historically made big jumps in their final seasons, including Steve Young, Steve Sarkisian, and Zach Wilson.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n LJ Martin<\/strong><\/p>\n Surprisingly, LJ Martin is already entering his third year at BYU. The Texas native was named Offensive MVP in BYU\u2019s dominant Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.<\/p>\n Martin ran for 88 yards and added 33 receiving yards with two touchdowns in the 36-14 victory.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When healthy, Martin has the talent to be one of the Big 12\u2019s top running backs.<\/p>\n Chase Roberts, Keelan Marion, Jojo Phillips<\/strong><\/p>\n Senior Chase Roberts leads this receiving group. After weighing an NFL jump, he chose to return for one more year.<\/p>\n He suffered an upper-body injury in the Alamo Bowl and was seen wearing a sling as recently as late January.<\/p>\n When healthy, Roberts is BYU\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n His ability to make tough grabs in traffic improved last season, and his role should expand in 2025.<\/p>\n Keelan Marion had 24 touches in BYU\u2019s final four games last season, serving as a versatile weapon.<\/p>\n Jojo Phillips caught 10 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, seeing key targets late in games against Oklahoma State and Arizona State.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no official update yet on Darius Lassiter, who is seeking a JUCO waiver from the NCAA to play in 2025.<\/p>\n BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick recently noted that eligibility rules for JUCO transfers remain uncertain.<\/p>\n Carsen Ryan<\/strong><\/p>\n BYU needs a reliable every-down tight end, and Utah transfer Carsen Ryan could be the answer.<\/p>\n After previous stops at UCLA and Utah, the 6-foot-4, 256-pound Ryan arrives at BYU for his senior year.<\/p>\n Last season at Utah, Ryan recorded 10 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n Other tight end options include Ethan Erickson, Noah Moeaki, Antony Olsen, and freshman Tucker Kelleher.<\/p>\n Isaiah Jatta (LT), Weylin Lapuaho (LG), Bruce Mitchell (C), Kyle Sfarcioc (RG), Andrew Gentry (RT)<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite key departures, BYU\u2019s offensive line remains talented.<\/p>\n Replacing Caleb Etienne, Brayden Keim, and Connor Pay is a challenge, but the projected starters all have FBS experience.<\/p>\n Weylin Lapuaho is the standout. He has started every game since arriving at BYU and could earn All-Big 12 honors.<\/p>\n Bruce Mitchell is favored to replace Pay at center after excelling in relief last season.<\/p>\n Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry and Southern Utah\u2019s Kyle Sfarcioc round out the lineup.<\/p>\n Isaiah Jatta, a Colorado transfer, takes over at left tackle, continuing BYU\u2019s trend of developing NFL-caliber talent at the position.<\/p>\n Bodie Schoonover (DE), John Taumoepeau (LDT), Keanu Tanuvasa (RDT), Logan Lutui (OE)<\/strong><\/p>\n BYU\u2019s defensive line faces questions after losing Tyler Batty, Blake Mangelson, and John Nelson.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n BYU also landed a major transfer in Utah\u2019s Keanu Tanuvasa, who chose BYU over Georgia, Texas, and USC.<\/p>\n Bodie Schoonover and John Taumoepeau round out the projected starting unit.<\/p>\n Isaiah Glasker (SAM), Harrison Taggart (MACK), Jack Kelly (ROVER)<\/strong><\/p>\n BYU has had legendary linebacker groups in the past, and this trio could be among the best.<\/p>\n BYU retained all three players, ensuring continuity in 2025.<\/p>\n Glasker led the Big 12 in tackles for loss last year.<\/p>\n Kelly, who considered leaving for the NFL, led BYU in sacks with five.<\/p>\n Taggart is the defense\u2019s emotional leader. His early injury against Arizona State was a major setback.<\/p>\n BYU also has solid depth behind them if needed.<\/p>\n Mory Bamba, Jonathan Kabeya<\/em>*<\/p>\n BYU\u2019s secondary faces challenges after losing Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins.<\/p>\n Former JUCO transfer Mory Bamba could help fill the void. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill recently said BYU hopes to have Bamba back in 2025.<\/p>\n If granted an NCAA waiver, Bamba would start. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, he has NFL potential.<\/p>\n He showcased his skills in the Alamo Bowl, breaking up a pass against Heisman winner Travis Hunter.<\/p>\n Jonathan Kabeya is projected to start at nickel corner. He quickly rose to the second unit last season and played key snaps in BYU\u2019s win at Baylor.<\/p>\n Evan Johnson would be the next option as a third corner. He was one of the team\u2019s most improved players in 2024.<\/p>\n Tanner Wall (FS), Raider Damuni (SS)<\/strong><\/p>\n Defensive coordinator Jay Hill wants an All-Big 12 safety to emerge.<\/p>\n The favorites for 2025 are Tanner Wall and Raider Damuni.<\/p>\n Wall tied for the team lead in interceptions last season and was BYU\u2019s first Academic All-American since 2010.<\/p>\n Damuni made significant strides last year and played a key role in the Alamo Bowl, recording a sack on Shedeur Sanders.<\/p>\n Sophomores Tommy Prassas and Faletau Satuala, along with redshirt freshman Matthias Leach, will also compete for playing time.<\/p>\n Will Ferrin<\/strong><\/p>\n Ferrin was nearly automatic last season, hitting 24-of-27 field goals, including 4-of-5 from 50+ yards.<\/p>\n His game-winner against Utah cemented his status in BYU lore, earning the nickname \u201cBig Game Bill\u201d from teammates.<\/p>\n A strong 2025 season could put him among the program\u2019s all-time great kickers.<\/p>\n Sam Vander Haar<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Punt Returner: Parker Kingston<\/strong> Marion was an All-American kick returner, and Kingston was one of the nation\u2019s top punt returners. BYU\u2019s return game remains strong heading into 2025.<\/p>\n onathan Kabeya is projected to start at nickel corner. He quickly rose to the second unit last season and played key snaps in BYU\u2019s win at Baylor.<\/p>\n Evan Johnson would be the next option as a third corner. He was one of the team\u2019s most improved players in 2024.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Safeties<\/p>\n Tanner Wall (FS), Raider Damuni (SS) Defensive coordinator Jay Hill wants an All-Big 12 safety to emerge.<\/p>\n The favorites for 2025 are Tanner Wall and Raider Damuni.<\/p>\n Wall tied for the team lead in interceptions last season and was BYU\u2019s first Academic All-American since 2010.<\/p>\n Damuni made significant strides last year and played a key role in the Alamo Bowl, recording a sack on Shedeur Sanders.<\/p>\n Sophomores Tommy Prassas and Faletau Satuala, along with redshirt freshman Matthias Leach, will also compete for playing time.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kicker<\/p>\n Will Ferrin<\/p>\n Ferrin was nearly automatic last season, hitting 24-of-27 field goals, including 4-of-5 from 50+ yards.<\/p>\n His game-winner against Utah cemented his status in BYU lore, earning the nickname \u201cBig Game Bill\u201d from teammates.<\/p>\n A strong 2025 season could put him among the program\u2019s all-time great kickers.<\/p>\n Punter<\/p>\n Sam Vander Haar<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Return Specialists<\/p>\n Punt Returner: Parker Kingston<\/p>\n Kick Returners: Keelan Marion, Enoch Nawahine<\/p>\n Marion was an All-American kick returner, and Kingston was one of the nation\u2019s top punt returners. BYU\u2019s return game remains strong heading into 2025.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" BYU Football: Projected 2025 Starting Lineup PROVO, Utah \u2013 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22902,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1869],"tags":[2134],"class_list":["post-22901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-byu","tag-byu-cougars"],"yoast_head":"\nProjected BYU Starting Lineup for 2025<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Quarterback<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Running Back<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wide Receivers<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Tight End<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Offensive Line<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Defensive Line<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Linebackers<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Cornerbacks<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Safeties<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Kicker<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Punter<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Return Specialists<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nKick Returners: Keelan Marion, Enoch Nawahine<\/strong><\/p>\n