░K░A░L░A░N░I░ ░S░I░T░A░K░E░ ░D░R░O░P░S░ ░C░A░M░P░ ░B░O░M░B░S░: QB Battle Intensifies as Justin Kirkland’s Injury Casts Long Shadow on BYU’s Big 12 Dreams
By: Grayson Hale | Cougar Nation Insider | August 13, 2025
Provo, UT — A hushed intensity settled over BYU’s fall camp this week as Head Coach Kalani Sitake delivered news that could shape the trajectory of the Cougars’ 2025 season.
In front of a packed post-practice media scrum, Sitake confirmed what many feared: sophomore sensation and projected starting quarterback Justin Kirkland suffered a high-grade ankle sprain during Monday’s scrimmage and is expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks, putting his availability for the Big 12 opener against TCU in serious doubt.
“It’s unfortunate,” Sitake said flatly, then added with resolve: “But this is football. We move forward, we compete, and we adapt.”
The injury to Kirkland—a 6’4” dual-threat star who dazzled fans in spring ball and had earned comparisons to Zach Wilson—instantly threw the quarterback room into chaos. Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick now faces the pressure of choosing between three options, none of whom have taken meaningful snaps in a live Power Five game.
QB Depth Chart Shake-Up:
1. Treyson Malu’u (RS Junior): A big-bodied, pocket-passing technician known for his deep-ball accuracy but criticized for his lack of mobility. He has the most time in the system, but questions linger about his poise under pressure.
2. Cade Ellsworth (Freshman): A former Utah Gatorade Player of the Year, Ellsworth brings speed, swagger, and a backyard style of play. Coaches are enamored with his ceiling but hesitant about his readiness.
3. Jacob Meers (Transfer – Arizona State): An experienced signal-caller with Pac-12 starts under his belt, Meers joined BYU this offseason. While he lacks elite arm strength, his leadership and game IQ have impressed teammates.
Despite the setback, Sitake made it clear the team’s expectations haven’t changed.
“Our mission is the same: compete for a Big 12 title,” he said. “We’re not lowering the bar. We’re just climbing a different way now.”
Sources close to the program say Malu’u is currently taking first-team reps, but Ellsworth is quickly gaining traction with his electric play during team periods. The quarterback battle, once thought to be settled, has become the most-watched storyline in the final weeks of camp.
Team leaders, including star linebacker Ben Tapusoa, have rallied around the sudden adversity. “This isn’t a one-man team,” Tapusoa told reporters. “Kirkland’s our brother, and we’ll hold it down till he’s back.”
But the looming question remains: Can BYU stay afloat in the brutal early stretch of their Big 12 schedule without their franchise quarterback? With road trips to Texas Tech and UCF sandwiched between a home date with a ranked Kansas State squad, the Cougars’ margin for error has all but vanished.
As fall camp barrels toward its conclusion, Kalani Sitake’s latest challenge may be his most difficult yet. But if his message is any indication, don’t expect the Cougars to blink.
“Hard things forge strong teams,” Sitake said, pausing before walking off. “And we’re about to find out how strong we are.”
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