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.
Interior defensive line MVP: Keanu Tanuvasa
The redshirt junior from Utah is going to give BYU something it hasn't had since Khyiris Tonga clear back in 2020: A dominant presence in the middle of the defensive line. Tanuvasa had a brilliant career at Utah with 50 tackles and four sacks, though traditional sacks don't measure the full impact of a dominant defensive tackle. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound one-man wrecking crew has been wreaking havoc against BYU's offensive line throughout camp, and he'll do the same throughout the Big 12 season.
Honorable mention: Justin Kirkland (if healthy)
Defensive ends MVP: Logan Lutui
Defensive end is by far the hardest position to predict. There are a number of talented but unproven players looking to make their mark this year. This includes four-star Texas transfer Tausili Akana, four-star returned missionary Hunter Clegg, sophomore Vili Po'uha, junior Bodie Schoonover, and sophomore Ephriam Asiata. Frankly, any of them could emerge as the most valuable defensive end on the team this year.
But my money is on senior Logan Lutui who is coming off a 13-tackle season last year, including 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. His experience in Jay Hill's system is going to pay dividends this year.
Honorable mention: Tausili Akana
Linebackers MVP: Jack Kelly
Choosing between Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker for linebackers MVP is like arguing about whether Lamborghinis are better than Ferraris. The reality is you can't go wrong selecting either Kelly or Glasker as not only MVP at the linebacker position, but for the entire defense. They're both brilliant.
But as far as "valuable" goes, I'm going with Jack Kelly because of the value his ability to rush off the edge brings to the Cougars defense. Depending on how he's deployed, Kelly could flirt with double-digit sacks this year. BYU has had challenges in recent years pressuring quarterbacks, and Jack Kelly is among the best in the Big 12 in doing just that from the linebacker spot.
Honorable mention: Isaiah Glasker
Cornerbacks MVP: Evan Johnson
Last year, BYU's starting cornerbacks were solid with Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins. But guess which cornerback not only had PFF's highest season grade for the position, but for the entire defense? If you guessed Evan Johnson, you're correct. Last year, he appeared in 12 games with 16 tackles, three passes defended, and two interceptions. He's going to have a big redshirt junior season.
Honorable mention: Mory Bamba
Safeties MVP: Raider Damuni
BYU's safeties room is loaded this year. Tanner Wall and Faletau Satuala will likely siphon reps away from each other at the free safety position. They are both too good not to be on the field. From my perspective, that leaves Raider Damuni to start at strong safety, and his versatility will put him all over the field. He can cover, play the run, and even come on blitz packages, and that versatility will bring a ton of value to Jay Hill's 2025 defense.
Honorable mention: Tanner Wall