Keayen Nead’s journey to BYU is one of resilience and determination. The talented tight end, who previously played for New Mexico, has made headlines with his commitment to BYU after overcoming a setback that temporarily sidelined him. His return to the field marks a significant moment in his career, showcasing his ability to push through adversity and continue striving for excellence.
Nead’s football career has been marked by steady progress and dedication. Before transferring to New Mexico, he played at Weber State, where he developed his skills and gained valuable experience. His time at New Mexico saw him emerge as a key player, earning recognition for his contributions on the field. However, his journey was not without challenges. A period of sick leave forced him to step away from the game, raising questions about his future in football. Despite this setback, Nead remained focused on his recovery and worked tirelessly to regain his strength.
His commitment to BYU is a testament to his perseverance. BYU identified tight end as a position of need after spring camp, and Nead was among the players they pursued [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/football/new-mexico-transfer-tight-end-keayen-nead-commits-to-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiY05MV2pxRWpjTTZUYWN1aGJveVN0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3LW1leGljby10cmFuc2Zlci10aWdodC1lbmQta2VheWVuLW5lYWQtY29tbWl0cy10by1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His visit to BYU was a crucial step in his decision-making process, and he ultimately chose the Cougars over a competing offer from Kentucky [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/football/new-mexico-transfer-tight-end-keayen-nead-commits-to-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiY05MV2pxRWpjTTZUYWN1aGJveVN0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3LW1leGljby10cmFuc2Zlci10aWdodC1lbmQta2VheWVuLW5lYWQtY29tbWl0cy10by1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His connection to BYU runs deep—his uncle, Spencer Nead, played for the program before moving on to the NFL [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/football/new-mexico-transfer-tight-end-keayen-nead-commits-to-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiY05MV2pxRWpjTTZUYWN1aGJveVN0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3LW1leGljby10cmFuc2Zlci10aWdodC1lbmQta2VheWVuLW5lYWQtY29tbWl0cy10by1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This family tie, along with his own aspirations, made BYU an appealing destination.
Nead’s skill set makes him a valuable addition to BYU’s roster. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 250 pounds, he is a formidable presence on the field [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/football/new-mexico-transfer-tight-end-keayen-nead-commits-to-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiY05MV2pxRWpjTTZUYWN1aGJveVN0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3LW1leGljby10cmFuc2Zlci10aWdodC1lbmQta2VheWVuLW5lYWQtY29tbWl0cy10by1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His ability as a run-blocking tight end has earned him recognition, ranking among the top 50 highest-graded players in his position across Division I football [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/football/new-mexico-transfer-tight-end-keayen-nead-commits-to-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiY05MV2pxRWpjTTZUYWN1aGJveVN0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3LW1leGljby10cmFuc2Zlci10aWdodC1lbmQta2VheWVuLW5lYWQtY29tbWl0cy10by1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His experience at Weber State and New Mexico has shaped him into a disciplined and versatile player, capable of making an impact in both offensive and defensive plays.
Beyond his athletic abilities, Nead’s journey is inspiring. His return from sick leave demonstrates his resilience and determination to continue pursuing his passion for football. Overcoming setbacks is a crucial aspect of any athlete’s career, and Nead’s ability to bounce back speaks volumes about his character. His commitment to BYU is not just about football—it’s about embracing new opportunities and proving that challenges can be overcome with perseverance.
As Nead prepares to take the field for BYU, fans and teammates alike will be eager to see how he contributes to the team’s success. His story serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define an athlete; rather, their response to adversity shapes their legacy. With two years of eligibility remaining, Nead has the chance to make a lasting impact at BYU and continue building on his impressive career [A](https://www.si.com/college/byu/football/new-mexico-transfer-tight-end-keayen-nead-commits-to-byu?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJIZkRqOHpQNENXeVplMjY3Y1dKN00iLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiY05MV2pxRWpjTTZUYWN1aGJveVN0IiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvYnl1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmV3LW1leGljby10cmFuc2Zlci10aWdodC1lbmQta2VheWVuLW5lYWQtY29tbWl0cy10by1ieXUifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
His comeback is more than just a transfer—it’s a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport and his ability to rise above challenges. BYU has gained a talented and determined player, and Nead’s journey is far from over.
