Memorial Day weekend unofficially signals the beginning of summer, which means we are just one more season away from fall, and thus a new football season. In just 3 months, BYU will kick off their 2025 campaign against Portland State on August 30th. But if the last few months (or week) have taught us anything, it should be far from a quiet summer.
Kalani Sitake and his staff were busy bringing in a number of high-level transfers, and they’ll need to step up to replace some key departures. Here are some of the biggest impact transfer additions and losses for this upcoming season.
Addition: Keanu Tanuvasa, Defensive Line
The Holy War continues to remain a multifaceted bloodbath in the state of Utah, and the switching of allegiances from players of both teams only adds to it. Harvey Langi, Francis Bernard, Samson Nacua, and Logan Fano are just some of the names who have made an impact wearing both the blue and the red. This year though, it was Utah defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa who made the switch, further fanning the flames of the rivalry in the offseason.
Drama aside, Tanuvasa will be a huge help to an already great BYU defense. While the Cougs boasted the top defense in the conference last season, the defensive line still left a little to be desired, especially going up against some of the country’s top running backs in the Big 12. Receiving Big 12 honorable mention honors this past season, Tanuvasa brings some much needed experience and size to BYU’s front line. In his 24 games at Utah, he had 9 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks. Expect even bigger numbers this season.
Loss: Keelan Marion, Wide Receiver
It was certainly a bummer to see Marion hit the portal this spring. The now Miami commit was electric as a kick returner with two touchdowns in 2024. On offense, he was a consistent third option for the air attack, and was primed to move up on the depth chart with Darius Lassiter signing as an undrafted free agent. He sits impressively as the 16th best receiver in the transfer portal.
Luckily for the Cougars, Jojo Phillips and Parker Kingston showed enough flashes to have some confidence coming in as replacements. Kingston in particular should be able to handle Marion’s kick returning duties, having made quite a splash returning punts as a freshman.
Addition: Tiger Bachmeier, Wide Receiver
Also helping replace Marion, will be receiver Tiger Bachmeier. The Stanford transfer had just 10 catches last year, but 36 catches in 2023. He could be a potential return specialist as well, having returned a punt for a touchdown last season. With similar speed and a similar build to Marion, Bachmeier has the tools to be a great piece of the 2025 receiving corps. And bringing his brother Bear with him is huge as well, as BYU could use his quarterback services as soon as this season.
Loss: Harrison Taggart, Linebacker
Taggart was a monster for the vaunted Cougar defense in 2024. He was second on the team with 69 tackles, and also recorded an interception and a fumble recovery. He seemed to be everywhere on the field, to the point where you wondered if there were perhaps two Taggarts roaming the gridiron. But unfortunately BYU’s linebacker room was getting full, and he chose to take his talents elsewhere.
Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly will pick up right where they left off last season, and returning players Choe Bryant-Strother and Siale Esera also could factor into what will be another loaded year at linebacker in Provo.
Addition: Kyle Sfarcioc, Offensive Line
The offensive line saw a couple of huge additions in the transfer portal, including former Michigan Wolverine and national champion Andrew Gentry. But don’t overlook another addition to the o-line in Kyle Sfarcioc. While the offensive line will feature plenty of battles for starting spots this summer, the Southern Utah transfer played with the first team during spring practices, and could fit in nicely at the right guard position. Sfarcioc didn’t allow a single sack in his time at the FCS level, and should at minimum be a contributing depth piece.
Loss: Crew Wakley, Safety
Wakley was another stat-sheet stuffer for the BYU defense last season, recording 44 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a huge 11 yard sack against Baylor. He also had the game clinching interception against the Bears, flying in to halt a furious Baylor comeback. His production will be tough to replicate.
However, similarly to the linebacker room, BYU should have enough talent at safety to replace him. Tanner Wall will be starting at free safety, while Raider Damuni could get the start at strong safety. Tommy Prassas, Talan Alfrey, and Faletau Satuala will be in the mix too, for what should be a strong secondary.