Two key players are leaving BYU football. Is the program in trouble?

Is the BYU football program in trouble?

One can't help but wonder after the stunning departures of All-American return man and wide receiver Keelan Marion, alongside starting linebacker Harrison Taggart.

Suddenly, and without warning, two key contributors for Kalani Sitake's BYU football program have taken to the transfer portal within the past few days.

Marion's announcement was a flash bang in the BYU sphere, as many were left in the wake of that new disoriented and confused. Why would such a major contributor slam on the brakes as his career in Provo had finally begun taking off? What was going on?

Then, Taggart's news all but confirmed that something was amiss outside the confines of the gridiron: something was amiss with BYU football.

Following an excellent, career-defining season for head coach Kalani Sitake that saw his Cougars reach a record of 11-2 with wins over rival Utah, Kansas State, and a dominant Alamo Bowl romp over Deion Sanders and Colorado, the consensus sentiment surrounding the team was that BYU was a program on the rise.

And there was plenty of reason to believe that this team would be ready to "run it back" the following year.

Now, there are cracks in the foundation. What is going on with BYU football?

I'll speculate a touch, with the following disclaimer: I don't have an inside scoop on the actual happenings behind closed doors of BYU football. Each of the following theories are simply that -- theories. They could be true. I could be way off. So take each theory with a salt lick. The truth could lie behind one -- or several -- of these ideas, and the real reason behind jumping ship is often much more complicated than a single idea could encompass.

If you're an employee within the confines of Lumon, please try to enjoy each theory equally.

Theory 1: These players could see a diminished role next season

While unlikely, it's not altogether uncommon to see established players lose their starting role (or a large chunk of their touches) dwindle ahead of the hungry players climbing through the depths of the active roster.

If coaches are impressed by the work and production of a player in the second unit, said player could leap into first-team reps during the spring. If he continues to produce among the best players on the team, some starters may begin to see the writing on the wall. There isn't enough room for 12 men out on that field.

While this may largely be hopeful thinking on my part, this theory would imply that these players' value may not be as high as last year's production might suggest, or that the 2025 depth chart is beyond our expectations; they're loaded with talent.

This theory applies more to Taggart than Marion. Taggart, an Oregon transfer, has enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the rest of his teammates, but his production on the team wasn't exactly irreplaceable. Marion, an All-American kick returner, separated himself from the rest of college football as one of the best return men in the game, and a blossoming receiver who received more and more touches as the year progressed.

Theory 2: Opportunity is calling beyond the portal

This theory is relatively simple: they're leaving for a bigger opportunity at a bigger school. Though BYU's is an athletic program on the rise, they still have a long way to go before solidifying their place among the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, Texas, etc.

For Marion, this is very likely, as he's already received offers from Miami, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Arkansas, and Tennessee, among others. These have all come through within 24 hours of his official entrance into the portal.

For Taggart, his interest is yet to be determined.

Obviously a pair of highly talented individuals are taking to the portal after stellar years with BYU. This could be their ways of gauging their own value, and if so, Marion has plenty of reasons to hold his head high with top-shelf programs calling left and right -- clammering for a chance to secure his talents.

Both of these players could return to Provo after wading into the transfer waters. After exploring their options, a return to normal may be in their best interest (think Kody Epps). That said, an appealing option may emerge as a transfer destination -- one too good to pass up.

Theory 3: Promises are not being fulfilled

This is far more "conspiracy theorist" than the previous two sections, so I'll spend the least effort on this one.

Simply stated, BYU may not be entirely delivering on their promises. Be it NIL, playing time, positional status, or role, entering the transfer portal communicates one thing very clearly: these players aren't entirely satisfied with their situation in Provo.

While the university has emerged as a premier NIL partner in basketball, the same hasn't been as publicly apparent for the school's football counterpart. I would never suggest that BYU doesn't meet their NIL promises. Again, I have no read on the internal situation. But while so much attention has been given to the basketball program in the last year, football may be a touch neglected in comparison.

These players could want more than they're currently being offered, and that request can't always be met. Things like this happen more and more in the modern age of college sports.

So, is BYU football falling apart, or is this rough patch soon to be patched up in a matter of days? Time will tell, and we'll keep our fingers crossed that no more key players look elsewhere for the moment.

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