Kedon Slovis’ Continued Struggles Leave BYU Searching for Answers at Quarterback
The 2023 season was supposed to be a fresh start for Kedon Slovis and a big leap forward for BYU football. Instead, it’s been a frustrating campaign filled with missed opportunities, inconsistent play, and a growing sense of urgency within the program. Slovis, who arrived at BYU as a seasoned veteran with high expectations, has struggled to find his rhythm, disappointing fans and raising serious concerns about the team’s future at quarterback.
Coming off stints at USC and Pittsburgh, Slovis was seen as a steady hand who could guide BYU through their first full season as a member of the Big 12 Conference. Early in the year, there were flashes of hope, with Slovis showing the same quick release and football IQ that once made him a freshman standout at USC. However, those moments have become fewer and farther between. Turnovers, missed reads, and poor decision-making have plagued his performances, often leaving the Cougars’ offense looking stagnant and out of sync.
In key games against Big 12 opponents, Slovis has struggled mightily to move the ball effectively. His completion percentage has hovered around a disappointing mark, and interceptions have come at crucial moments, derailing any momentum the offense tries to build. Fans who had been hopeful that Slovis would be the answer are now calling for changes, with many pointing to backup options who could spark new life into the team.
The reality is that Slovis’ struggles aren’t entirely on his shoulders. BYU’s offensive line has failed to protect him consistently, and the Cougars’ running game has been almost nonexistent in several matchups, putting added pressure on the quarterback to carry the offense. Still, Slovis has missed too many open receivers and struggled with pocket awareness, traits that a quarterback with his level of experience should have mastered by now.
Head coach Kalani Sitake has remained publicly supportive of Slovis, insisting that the team’s offensive woes are collective rather than individual. But behind the scenes, there’s no doubt that the staff is evaluating their options carefully. With BYU fighting to stay competitive in a tough Big 12 schedule, the Cougars cannot afford continued poor performances under center.
Some fans have begun clamoring for Jake Retzlaff, the talented backup quarterback who has been waiting patiently for his shot. Retzlaff brings a different style — more mobility and a willingness to extend plays — which could be exactly what BYU needs to inject energy into its struggling offense. Whether Sitake and his staff are willing to make that switch remains to be seen, but pressure is mounting.
For Slovis, time is running out to turn things around. His legacy, once filled with so much promise, now risks being remembered for what could have been rather than what was achieved. For BYU, the search for a true leader at quarterback has become more urgent than ever. If the Cougars want to finish the season strong and build momentum for the future, they must quickly find the stability and spark that has been missing at the most important position on the field.
