These incoming transfers prove that BYU football is dominating the portal

When BYU football fell behind in recruiting rankings on national signing day, a collective groan of anxiety surfaced across Utah Valley.

Dreaded rival Utah was landing big-time recruits while the Cougars' output was solid, though that was largely taken as a disappointment by the fans hoping to pile on a second helping of whatever happened in this 2024 season.

Cautiously optimistic, many believed that as BYU would be retaining much of its talent into next season, incoming talent could be deferred to the following season, when greater turnover would open wider gaps in the Cougars' squad.

Then the transfer portal delivered a few early Christmas presents for BYU football. Suddenly an underwhelming recruiting class was an irrelevant piece of trivia--the Cougars were reloading through the portal.

Three names in particular have a chance to amaze in their first season donning royal blue, so be sure to take a mental note of these three names. You'll likely see plenty of this trio in the upcoming season.

Tausili Akana | EDGE | Texas -> BYU

The Texas edge rusher was a four star recruit out of high school and heavily recruited by BYU before committing to Sarkisian's Longhorns.

Akana was the 6A player of the year in his senior year with Skyridge High School in Lehi, Utah. Only playing in one game over the past two seasons, it's clear that Texas didn't recognize the untapped potential on their D-Line.

Tausili is a Cougar, and BYU's line just added a potent weapon to terrorize quarterbacks.

Hunter Clegg | D-Line | Utah -> BYU

While more of a de-commitment than a transfer, Hunter Clegg left Utah in favor of bluer pastures upon returning from his mission. The two-time All-6A team member and four-star lineman is a huge get for BYU's defensive line (this unit is getting stronger all the time!).

Clegg's offer list out of high school was extremely decorated, highlighted by programs like Utah, Auburn, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, and Washington to name a few.

This will be his freshman year, and while he gets back into shape following two years without football, don't be surprised to see Clegg crack plenty of field time this upcoming year. Hunter is a major addition to this football team.

Andrew Gentry | O-Line | Michigan -> BYU

On Christmas Eve, Cougar Nation received an early gift from Cosmo Claus (Claws?) in Michigan O-Line transfer Andrew Gentry.

Recruited out of Colorado, Gentry originally committed to play for Virginia and Bronco Mendenhall. Once the former Coug and current Aggie stepped down from his head coaching spot with the Cavaliers, Gentry re-opened his recruitment and eventually landed in Ann Arbor with the Michigan Wolverines.

Dizzy yet?

Gentry still owns two years of eligibility after three seasons with the Wolverines. He'll spend his time in Provo protecting Jake Retzlaff next season.

We've got plenty to get excited over in Provo, Utah, and the transfer portal isn't closed yet.

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