As the BYU Cougars brace for their second full season in the Big 12, the pressure to adapt quickly to the conference’s unforgiving competition has never been higher. The 2024 campaign left much to be desired — a 5-7 finish punctuated by inconsistencies on both sides of the ball. Now, as spring turns to summer, the transfer portal has become more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline. Head Coach Kalani Sitake and his staff are in full pursuit of immediate-impact players, hoping to reshape the identity of a team that once flirted with national relevance.
The most glaring need is at quarterback. The departure of Kedon Slovis left a leadership vacuum under center. Although redshirt freshman Ryder Burton shows flashes of brilliance, the Cougars need a seasoned gunslinger who can command the huddle and execute Aaron Roderick’s high-tempo, spread offense. Word from the transfer trail hints at a Power Five backup with three starts under his belt eyeing Provo as a landing spot — a dual-threat talent whose mobility could open up RPO schemes that were underutilized last season.
Equally urgent is the defensive front seven, where BYU was repeatedly gashed for big yardage. The linebacking corps, once the pride of the program, looked undersized and overwhelmed against the Big 12’s downhill run attacks. BYU has its sights set on a bruising MIKE linebacker out of the Mountain West — a player known for 100+ tackles and relentless sideline-to-sideline pursuit. Up front, the Cougars desperately need a disruptive interior lineman. One target, a former four-star from the SEC now seeking more snaps, could fill that void and instantly elevate BYU’s pass rush.
On the offensive line, there’s quiet optimism, but depth remains thin. Injuries exposed a lack of readiness behind the starting five. BYU is pursuing a pair of tackles, one from the MAC and another from the Pac-12, both boasting over 20 collegiate starts. With the right additions, this unit could become a strength, opening lanes for a backfield that retains rising sophomore LJ Martin — a bright spot in 2024.
The secondary, though loaded with young talent, still lacks a true shutdown corner. Coaches are actively courting a rangy 6’2″ corner from the FCS ranks who led his conference in pass breakups. His physicality and instinct could bring much-needed swagger to a defense that gave up 28.4 points per game.
These needs are not just wish-list items — they are necessities if BYU wants to survive, let alone thrive, in the Big 12. The program is at a crossroads: reload through the portal or risk being outpaced in a conference that doesn’t wait for rebuilds. For Cougar Nation, the next few weeks in the portal could define the next few seasons on the field.
