In the anticipation of the upcoming BYU football season, I looked to the inevitable absence of senior wide receiver Chase Roberts and wondered which receivers would step up to fill the void and serve open looks to sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier in 2026. Sure, Jojo Phillips is back for another year, and should be improved from the injury-hampered 2025 campaign, and a variety of fascinating transfers and recruits (Legend Glasker and Kyler Kasper could be huge in '26).
But in a sudden twist of fate, Cody Hagen pulled the rug out from Cougar Nation, awaiting in anxious anticipation for a junior year that would never come. Seemingly from nowhere, Hagen announced his retirement from football. He will not return in 2026.
𝐍𝐄𝐖: BYU WR Cody Hagen is RETIRING from football and leaving the program.
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) May 22, 2026
HUGE loss for the Cougars 😳 pic.twitter.com/mZv5V0F17N
After struggling to rehabilitate from a variety of injuries suffered in his first two years with BYU football, Hagen has decided to hang up the cleats and step away from the game for good.
This is a gut-wrenching blow for the team and the receiver, as Hagen's speed made him a deadly weapon, especially in jet sweep or "tornado reverse" action through the ground in open space.
I wrote the following about Hagen in a piece highlighting candidates for a breakout season in Provo:
"Many expected more from Hagen during his sophomore year. Like Kingston, Hagen was an excellent sprinter in high school and brought the promise of pure speed every time he got a touch. He was mostly utilized as a jet-sweep specialist, however, and was limited to just 12 receptions, 97 yards, and 0 touchdowns through the air."
"His value on the ground cannot be denied, though, scoring two touchdowns as a runner against Portland State and Colorado, which would mark his only trips to the endzone during the 2025 season."
"He gave it his all."@jaromjordan reacts to the news of Cody Hagen's retirement. pic.twitter.com/z5BiUGENDT
— BYUtv Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) May 22, 2026
Now without two of its primary receivers -- Hagen and Kingston are both no longer with the team -- BYU football will be forced to find solutions and strengthen its receiving corps with a "next man up" mentality.
Though Hagen won't finish his collegiate career on the football field, Cougar Nation will forever be grateful for the work, effort, and time Hagen put into bettering himself and the team around him. Thanks for everything, and good luck, Cody.
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