Brigham Young University’s (BYU) football program has made significant strides in bolstering its tight end roster through strategic recruiting efforts over the past few years. These additions reflect the program’s commitment to enhancing its offensive capabilities and competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference.In December 2024, BYU secured a pivotal transfer by welcoming tight end Carsen Ryan from the University of Utah. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 252 pounds, Ryan brought a wealth of experience and versatility to the Cougars. During his tenure at Utah, he played in all 12 games of the 2024 season, starting five, and recorded 10 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. Prior to that, at UCLA from 2022 to 2023, he participated in 17 games with eight starts, amassing 19 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns. His proven track record as both a reliable blocker and a receiving threat made him a valuable asset to BYU’s offensive scheme. The momentum continued into March 2024 when BYU received a commitment from Blake Bryce, a three-star tight end prospect from Newbury Park, California. Bryce, measuring 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, chose BYU over offers from UCLA, Minnesota, Kansas, Louisville, and Duke. His decision was influenced by the efforts of first-year tight ends coach Kevin Gilbride, who prioritized building a strong relationship with Bryce early in his tenure. Bryce’s commitment underscored BYU’s focus on attracting top talent to strengthen its tight end position. In the 2024 recruiting cycle, BYU achieved a significant victory by securing four-star tight end Ryner Swanson from Laguna Beach, California. Swanson, standing at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, was highly sought after, receiving offers from Texas, Oregon, Utah, and Texas A&M. His commitment highlighted BYU’s ability to compete with top-tier programs for elite talent. Swanson’s impressive high school performance, including 12 touchdowns and over 950 yards of offense in his junior year, positioned him as a potential immediate contributor to the team’s offense. The 2023 recruiting class also featured the addition of Jackson Bowers, another four-star tight end from Arizona. Bowers chose BYU over offers from Alabama, Washington, and Arizona, marking a significant recruiting win for the Cougars. His commitment, alongside Swanson’s, demonstrated BYU’s growing reputation as a destination for top tight end prospects. These strategic acquisitions reflect BYU’s dedication to building a robust and dynamic tight end unit. The combination of experienced transfers like Carsen Ryan and highly touted recruits such as Ryner Swanson and Jackson Bowers positions the Cougars to enhance their offensive versatility. As BYU continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the Big 12 Conference, these additions are poised to play a crucial role in the team’s pursuit of success in the coming seasons.
