National Signing Day 2025: The Good and Bad News About BYU Football’s Recruiting Class
As National Signing Day 2025 wraps up, BYU football fans have plenty to talk about. With the Cougars now well into their Big 12 journey, the 2025 recruiting class reflects both growing pains and real progress under head coach Kalani Sitake. This class isn’t without its high points—but there are also some disappointments that the staff will need to address moving forward.
The Good News
Let’s start with the positives. BYU’s 2025 class ranks higher nationally than previous years, landing inside the top 40 according to multiple recruiting services. For a program that traditionally leans on developmental players and missionary cycles, this is a notable step forward. Perhaps more importantly, BYU held its own against regional powerhouses like Utah, Arizona, and even pulled a few surprise wins against Pac-12 and Big 12 competition.
The crown jewel of the class is four-star quarterback Tanner Velez from Southern California. A dual-threat playmaker with an elite arm and poise beyond his years, Velez chose BYU over Oregon, Tennessee, and Arizona State. His commitment sends a message that BYU can still compete for top-tier talent, especially at the quarterback position—a legacy the program proudly carries.
BYU also bolstered both lines of scrimmage. Three-star offensive lineman Jonah Leva from Hawaii and defensive end Jeremiah Taumoepenu from Utah give the Cougars the kind of physicality they need to compete in the Big 12 trenches. There’s also buzz about speedy cornerback Isaiah Afu from Texas, a late riser in recruiting rankings who brings versatility and physicality to BYU’s secondary.
The Bad News
But not everything went BYU’s way. The Cougars missed out on a handful of key in-state targets, including linebacker Cody Te’o (Utah) and tight end Mason Katoa (Oregon). Losing top LDS athletes to rival programs stings, especially when BYU has traditionally dominated that niche recruiting market. It raises questions about whether NIL and conference prestige are beginning to shift those longstanding dynamics.
Depth at wide receiver also remains a concern. BYU didn’t land a game-changing pass catcher in this cycle, and that could haunt them in future seasons if injuries or transfers hit that room. Additionally, while BYU secured some promising defensive backs, they failed to close on a true lockdown corner—an area of need in a pass-happy Big 12.
Lastly, while Tanner Velez is a great get, BYU didn’t sign a clear backup or developmental quarterback in this cycle. If Velez delays enrollment for a mission, the Cougars may find themselves with a thinner-than-desired QB room.
Final Thoughts
Overall, BYU’s 2025 class reflects the program’s upward trajectory but also its ongoing recruiting challenges. The Cougars are becoming more competitive nationally, but in-state misses and positional gaps show there’s still ground to gain. With the right development and retention, this class could be a foundation for sustained Big 12 success—but execution, as always, will be the key.
