BYU Football Training Camp Faces Huge Setback
Just weeks ahead of the 2025 college football season, BYU’s football program has been dealt a crushing blow. What was supposed to be a pivotal and energizing training camp for the Cougars has instead turned into a period of uncertainty and frustration. A combination of unexpected injuries, key absences, and lingering internal concerns has derailed the team’s preparations and raised serious questions about their readiness for the season opener.
The most significant setback came when starting quarterback Ryder Burton went down with what sources describe as a “non-contact lower leg injury” during the second full day of camp. Medical personnel rushed to the field immediately, and while BYU has yet to release an official diagnosis, early indications suggest Burton could miss several weeks — or potentially more. His absence leaves a major void at the most important position on the field and threatens to stall an offense that was expected to take a big leap forward this year.
Backup quarterbacks Cade Fennegan and Jake Retzlaff are now expected to battle for the starting job in Burton’s absence, but neither has taken significant snaps with the first-team offense in recent months. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has been forced to rewrite parts of the playbook, shifting focus to short-game schemes and emphasizing run-heavy sets as the staff scrambles to maintain cohesion.
Adding to the drama, two veteran defensive linemen have reportedly stepped away from camp due to “personal matters,” according to head coach Kalani Sitake. While their absences may be temporary, the disruption to defensive chemistry cannot be overstated. The front seven was expected to be one of BYU’s strengths entering the season, and losing leadership on that unit—if only for a few weeks—complicates what was already a tough early-season schedule.
“This is a test for us—not just physically, but mentally,” Sitake said during a brief media session. “Injuries and setbacks are part of the game. It’s about how we respond.”
Unfortunately for BYU, the response will have to come quickly. With a matchup against a physical Arizona State team looming in Week 1, the Cougars now face an uphill climb. Conditioning programs have been modified, and the coaching staff is reportedly increasing reps for several underclassmen to accelerate their development.
Fans, who were optimistic after a strong recruiting offseason and several returning starters, now find themselves holding their breath. A camp designed to sharpen the edges of a promising roster has instead exposed the team’s depth concerns and vulnerability to adversity.
While there’s still time to course-correct, the margin for error has evaporated. BYU’s 2025 campaign may ultimately be defined not by their star power, but by how well this team handles its first major storm—before the season has even begun.
