BYU football is heading into the 2025 season with a surge of momentum, and Phil Steele’s preseason accolades are adding fuel to the fire. Nine Cougars have been named to Steele’s Preseason All-Big 12 teams, a testament to the program’s growing depth, talent, and national respect as it continues to establish itself in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Leading the charge are two standout specialists who earned preseason All-American honors: kicker Will Ferrin and punt returner Parker Kingston. Ferrin, a 6-foot-3 senior from Kaysville, Utah, is coming off a record-setting season in which he nailed 24 field goals and converted all 41 extra point attempts. His clutch performances, including a game-winning field goal against Utah, earned him Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year honors and a semifinalist nod for the Lou Groza Award. Kingston, a dynamic senior from Layton, Utah, returned two punts for touchdowns last season and added versatility as a receiver and even threw a touchdown pass on a trick play.
Joining them on the All-Big 12 list are linebacker Isaiah Glasker, wide receiver Chase Roberts, and long snapper Garrison Grimes. Glasker, a 6-foot-5 junior, emerged as a defensive force in 2024, leading the Big 12 in tackles-for-loss with 13.5 and adding 62 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. Roberts, a senior captain, led the team in receptions and receiving yards last season, showcasing his reliability and leadership. Grimes, a transfer from Baylor and the son of former BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, brings experience and precision to the special teams unit.
Rounding out the list are four more Cougars who have quietly become cornerstones of the team’s success. Each of these players has demonstrated consistency, toughness, and a commitment to elevating BYU’s competitive edge in the Big 12. Their inclusion in Phil Steele’s preseason honors reflects not only individual excellence but also the program’s broader trajectory under the leadership of new athletic director Kalani Sitake and head coach Jay Hill.
These preseason accolades are more than just recognition—they’re a signal that BYU is no longer just a newcomer in the Big 12. The Cougars are building a reputation as a team that develops talent, competes with grit, and produces players who can shine on the national stage. With a strong returning core and a top-tier recruiting class on the way, expectations are high in Provo.
As the 2025 season approaches, Cougar fans have every reason to be excited. The blend of veteran leadership, rising stars, and national recognition sets the stage for what could be a defining year in BYU’s Big 12 journey. And with nine players already earning preseason honors, the Cougars are poised to make plenty of noise when the games begin.
