With BYU's first game of the season just around the corner, Kalani Sitake and his staff are still solidifying the depth chart. While we still may not be completely sure about some starting roles and snap count distributions, we won't let that deter us from making some preseason MVP predictions by position group.
Quarterback MVP: Bear Bachmeier
Projecting which player will emerge as the most valuable player at quarterback is usually just as simple as knowing who will be starting. With Aaron Roderick confirming true freshman Bear Bachmeier will start the season under center, we know who will be the MVP at quarterback.
Honorable mention: McCae Hillstead
Running back MVP: LJ Martin
Provided LJ Martin can stay healthy, he's going to have a dominant junior season. Through two somewhat injury plagued seasons in Provo, he has already racked up 1,236 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. With BYU likely leaning on the run game this year, a healthy LJ Martin could rush for well over 1,000 yards this season.
Honorable mention: Sione Moa
Wide receivers MVP: Chase Roberts
Speaking of upperclassmen who are poised for monster seasons, redshirt senior Chase Roberts flirted with the NFL Draft last year but opted to come back for one more season at BYU. Over the last three years, he has registered 116 receptions for 1,784 yards and 12 touchdowns. Provided freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier can lead a competent passing attack, Chase Roberts could also have a 1,000-plus yard senior campaign.
Honorable mention: Parker Kingston
Tight ends MVP: Carsen Ryan
The transfer from Utah has generated plenty of buzz since arriving in Provo this past offseason. Traditionally, the tight end position has been a strategic weapon in BYU's pass attack, but over the past several years has been deemphasized. Some of this was due to quarterback preference (Jaren Hall tended to look to the hashmarks instead of over the middle) and some has been due to a lack of depth of talent at the position.
The Cougars have made it a point to get the ball to Carsen Ryan early and often in practices leading up to the regular season. Sometimes a young quarterback's best friend is a good tight end who can consistently get open. Look for a monster season from Carsen Ryan.
Runner-up: Keayen Nead
Offensive line: Weylin Lapuaho
Entering his senior season, guard Weylin Lapuaho has a brilliant college football resume. He started his entire freshman season at Utah State in 2022 before transferring to BYU in 2023. In two seasons in Provo, he has started all 23 games in which he has appeared in a Cougars uniform. As BYU's offense leans on the running game this year, hog mollies like Weylin Lapuaho will shine as he opens up gaping holes for LJ Martin and Sione Moa.
Runner-up: Isaiah Jatta