After a Strong 11-2 Season in 2024, BYU Football Remains Focused on the Future
The BYU football team had a remarkable 2024 season, finishing with an impressive 11-2 record. For many, this campaign marked a significant step forward for the program, signaling a resurgence in both talent and competitiveness. However, despite the success, head coach Kalani Sitake and his players are quick to remind everyone that there’s still “a lot of work to be done” as they look ahead to the future.
The Cougars’ 11-2 record in 2024 was a testament to the growth of the program under Sitake’s leadership. They displayed a balanced offense, featuring an explosive passing game and a physical running attack, while their defense was aggressive and opportunistic. Key players emerged throughout the season, with quarterback Jaren Hall playing at a high level, and running back Lopini Katoa continuing to be a workhorse in the backfield. The defensive line, spearheaded by standout defensive end Tyler Batty, was relentless, and the special teams unit, led by kicker Jake Oldroyd, often provided critical moments of stability in close games.
Despite the accomplishments, Sitake emphasized that the team cannot rest on its laurels. “We’ve made significant progress, but the journey is far from over,” Sitake said after the season. “We’ve set the bar higher, and now it’s about continuing to improve. Every year, the challenge gets tougher, and there’s always something new to work on.”
One area that Sitake and his staff will focus on is depth. While the Cougars showed flashes of brilliance throughout the 2024 season, injuries and inconsistent play at times revealed areas where depth could be improved. The offensive line, in particular, was a point of concern during the season. While the line was solid overall, injuries forced younger players into key roles, which led to occasional struggles in pass protection and run blocking. Moving forward, building greater depth across both the offensive and defensive lines will be a top priority for Sitake and his staff.
Recruiting also remains a focal point for BYU. The program has made strides in attracting top-tier talent, but with the increasing competition from other Power Five programs, staying ahead in recruiting will be critical to sustained success. BYU’s commitment to developing players, both physically and mentally, has attracted prospects who fit into the team’s culture, but Sitake and his staff know that recruiting will need to continue evolving, especially as the team faces more challenges in the Big 12 and beyond.
The coaching staff will also continue to work on consistency. Although the Cougars secured several impressive wins in 2024, they were occasionally plagued by slow starts or untimely mistakes. While these moments didn’t define their season, they highlighted that to compete at the highest level, every facet of the game must be executed consistently and without error. In their losses, especially to higher-ranked opponents, it became evident that BYU needs to elevate its play in critical situations, such as third downs and red zone efficiency, to take the next step.
Looking forward, Sitake’s vision for the program is clear: BYU wants to compete for conference championships, bowl games, and national recognition year in and year out. For a team that has already made strides in the right direction, the 2024 season’s success provides the foundation for a bright future. But as Sitake stated, “There’s still a lot of work to be done.” The challenge now is to continue to build on this momentum, improve in key areas, and ultimately elevate the BYU football program to new heights. The 2024 season may have been a significant achievement, but for the Cougars, the best is yet to come.
