The BYU Cougars kick off the 2025 season in 0 days against Portland State - meaning today! As we conclude our countdown to kickoff, today we profile the players who wear No. 0 - redshirt junior cornerback Evan Johnson and redshirt freshman wide receiver Tei Nacua.
Evan Johnson, cornerback
Coming out of California in the class of 2022, Evan Johnson was known as a versatile 6-foot tall, fluid athlete. He was a standout track athlete in the 100 and 200 meter sprints in addition to his exploits on the football field. While listed as a wide receiver on his 247 Sports high school recruiting profile, the plan was for him to play corner at BYU. He was a low three-star recruit (81 overall) and flew beneath the radar in high school, but he has blossomed at BYU.
He saw limited action in 2022 and 2023, playing in a combined six games with two tackles those seasons. But last year as a redshirt sophomore he was an important piece in BYU's defensive machine. He appeared in 12 games with 16 tackles, three passes defended, and two interceptions.
EVAN JOHNSON SNAGS THE INT FOR BYU
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) September 15, 2024
Cougs Polish Off Week 3 With a 3-0 Record #Big12FB | #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/SlY5Cgn82A
After playing very well last year, big things are on tap for Evan Johnson in his redshirt junior season. He will likely start and play a significant amount this year for Jay Hill's defense.
Tei Nacua, wide receiver
While Evan Johnson's recruitment flew under the radar, Tei Nacua has been well known by BYU fans for years. As the younger brother of Samson and Puka Nacua, his family name is beloved in Provo. By playing his prep ball at Timpview High School, essentially in the shadows of LaVell Edwards Stadium, Cougar fans followed his box scores long before he committed to BYU.
FIRST SPRING DOWN 🤞🏽 pic.twitter.com/w7qoaBJF85
— Tei Nacua (@TeiNacua) March 30, 2025
At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Tei Nacua was a high three-star recruit with an 87 rating from 247 Sports. He was the No. 15 prospect in the state of Utah and a Top 150 wide receiver nationally in the class of 2024.
As a freshman last year he appeared in four games with no stats, thereby getting some experience while preserving his redshirt season. BYU's wide receiver room is both talented and deep this year, so Tei's redshirt freshman year may be another one of growth, learning, and development. While he should make some contributions this year, BYU fans should take the long-term view of Tei Nacua as the Cougars continue to tap his immense potential.