The BYU Cougars will kick off the 2025 season in 87 days against Portland State. As we continue counting down the days until kickoff, today we will profile the player who wears No. 87 - redshirt senior tight end Ethan Erickson.
Ethan Erickson’s background
If it feels to you like the name Ethan Erickson has been associated with the BYU football team for a long, long time, you’re spot on. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound redshirt senior originally committed to the Cougars back in June of 2018, nearly seven years ago, and came to Provo with the class of 2019. Throw in a redshirt season and a two-year mission, and here we are.
During his time at BYU he has appeared in 25 career games with four starts. He hasn’t been a focus of the offense, though, with just three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown as a Cougar. He appeared in seven games last year without recording any offensive stats.
Erickson’s potential impact in 2025
After many years of waiting and developing, 2025 may be the season Erickson becomes a more consistent part of the offense. While Utah transfer Carsen Ryan will see the lion’s share of the snaps at tight end, the depth chart is pretty wide open after that.
Ourlads currently projects Erickson as the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart behind Ryan and redshirt freshman Noah Moeaki. Other BYU analysts have it the other way around with Erickson as the No. 2 followed by Moeaki. While Moeaki may have the higher upside, Erickson is an experienced proven commodity in Aaron Roderick’s system. While he won’t light the world on fire, he will know his assignments and is capable of executing them.
The 2025 BYU Cougars have realistic aspirations to compete for a Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoffs. This “win-now” mentality could bode well for Erickson as the coaching staff may value proven experience over untapped potential.
Because if there’s anything Ethan Erickson brings to the table, it’s his experience with the program.