3 reasons why Isaac Wilson should consider transferring from Utah to BYU

When 4-star quarterback prospect Isaac Wilson spurned BYU to sign with the University of Utah back in May of 2023, his decision stung more than a few Cougar fans. Many BYU supporters had hoped Isaac would follow his big brother Zach Wilson’s path to Provo, and, like Zach, ultimately lead the Cougars to glory. 

The fact that he signed with Utah, of all places, rubbed an entire canister of Morton Salt in the wound. 

Fast forward to Isaac’s freshman season with the Utes. Seventh-year starter Cam Rising was slated to lead the offense this year while Isaac watched and learned. Instead, Rising suffered an injury in the Utes second game and Isaac was thrust into the starting lineup. As with most freshmen suddenly playing Power Four football, Isaac Wilson’s season thus far has had more valleys than peaks. 

Saturday’s gut-punch of a loss to lowly Houston, dropping Utah to 1-4 in conference play, was the deepest valley of Isaac Wilson’s freshman campaign. He was repeatedly pressured, hit, sacked, banged up, and ultimately benched in favor of sophomore Brandon Rose. 

Utah is openly considering its options at quarterback. 

Isaac Wilson couldn't be faulted for considering his options, too.

Here are three compelling reasons why the former Corner Canyon star should consider transferring to BYU. 

Reason No. 1 - BYU Produces NFL Quarterbacks

The ultimate goal for players with Isaac's pedigree and potential is to play in the NFL. 

Each of BYU’s last three starting quarterbacks - Zach Wilson, Jaren Hall, and Kedon Slovis - are currently NFL quarterbacks. Both Wilson and Hall were drafted while Slovis latched on as an undrafted free agent. Taysom Hill's unconventional NFL journey began as a quarterback at BYU. Jake Retzlaff has developed into one of the better quarterbacks in the Big 12 this year and still has another year of eligibility to prepare for the pros.

With BYU’s decades-long history of producing NFL quarterbacks the school is often referred to as “Quarterback U”. BYU knows how to develop and prepare quarterbacks for NFL careers and that should be a major factor in Isaac Wilson's calculus.

While the University of Utah has a strong track record of getting players to the NFL on the whole, Kyle Whittingham’s program doesn’t cater to quarterbacks. Gordon Monson of the Salt Lake Tribute wrote an article in 2021 that was published on Twitter with the lead, "Utah football is where quarterbacks go to die," which isn't a great selling point for quarterbacks with NFL aspirations. Despite Utah's solid track record of producing NFL talent at other positions, only two former Utes have thrown for more than 2,500 yards in their NFL careers - Alex Smith and Scott Mitchell.

If Isaac Wilson wants to become an NFL product, he should go to the NFL factory conveniently located in Provo, Utah.

Reason No. 2 - Coaching Stability

The relationships players have with coaches matters, big time. Kyle Whittingham’s tenure in Salt Lake City seems to be coming to an end sooner than later. Whittingham's contract goes until 2027 but he is on the record stating that he "probably won't" be coaching the Utes then. Whittingham may have another year or two at the helm of the Utes and Morgan Scalley has already been named "head coach in waiting" to ensure a smooth succession. Scalley is a former defensive back and has only coached defense and special teams, so he's not exactly the second coming of Andy Reid.  

Utah also just surprisingly parted ways mid-season with offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. After Ludwig “stepped down”, KSL.com quoted Isaac Wilson as saying, “Obviously, it’s been a hard thing to go through, I committed here to play under coach Lud.” Losing Ludwig and the unknown around Whittingham's future introduces a lot of instability for a freshman quarterback trying to find his footing.

The coaching situation at BYU, on the other hand, is about as stable as any in college football. Kalani Sitake shouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick developed Zach Wilson into the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft and also seems committed to BYU. Roderick’s offensive game plans put quarterbacks into positions to succeed with a solid running game, good pass blocking, and a willingness to throw it deep. 

If Isaac transferred to BYU next year, he could serve as Jake Retzlaff’s backup for a season to learn the offense, then Wilson would likely have the inside track to starting in 2026 and 2027. BYU doesn’t have a high-profile quarterback in waiting and Isaac would likely become the player with the highest ceiling.

Coaching stability has a huge impact on player performance and development, and BYU's staff is as stable as it gets.

Reason No. 3 - Provo Loves the Wilsons

Yes, the Wilsons have always been a Utah family, but they will always be beloved at BYU. In addition to Zach, two other Wilson brothers - Josh and Micah - both played at BYU. The Wilson family knows their way around LaVell Edwards Stadium.

But when it comes to Zach, he's beloved in Provo and always will be. He created life-long memories for BYU fans with his stellar play for the Cougars and was a great representative of the school. Every time Zach is back in Provo for a BYU event and is shown on the jumbotron, he gets nothing but love. And based on the smile he usually has on his face when he's back at his alma mater, Zach has nothing but love for BYU, too. Isaac surely sees how well the BYU community treats his older brother.

Cougar fans also came to love Zach’s mom, Lisa, during his time in Provo. Lisa had charisma, glamor, and style that isn’t always seen in Provo. Her popular social media presence was entertaining and just something different for BYU fans to be exposed to. 

Many BYU fans have fond memories of the entire Wilson clan sitting in the stands of LaVell Edwards Stadium, Isaac included, and would welcome the entire family back with open arms. 

So Will It Actually Happen? 

Would BYU fans be giddy if Zach Wilson transferred from Utah to BYU? 

Absolutely! 

Landing Isaac would be a double bonus for BYU fans by making the team better while at the same time sticking it to the Utes. 

But will it actually happen? 

Well, it’s probably a long shot, at best. While BYU did heavily recruit Isaac Wilson coming out of high school and was among his final six schools, it was pretty well known that Isaac was a “Utah kid” from the start and seemed destined to wear crimson. 

But a lot has changed in the past year and depending on what happens with Coach Whittingham, more changes could be coming for the Utes.

Utah is looking at all options as they desperately try to redeem a disappointing first season in the Big 12, and this includes benching Isaac Wilson.

It's only reasonable for Isaac Wilson to consider all of his options, too.

If a pathway to the NFL, coaching stability, and a fanbase welcoming him with open arms are high on Isaac's list, he only needs to look 45 miles south and he'll find all three.

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