Cody Hagen’s rise at BYU, and why he’s poised for a breakout season as the Cougars’ emerging star:
1.
Rookie Foundations: Mission, Debut & Early Glimpses
Cody Hagen made his BYU debut in fall 2024 just four months after returning from a full-time LDS mission in San Bernardino, California . Despite limited prep time—just 91 days—he made an immediate impression during fall camp and saw action on special teams early on . He finished his freshman year with 3 receptions for 29 yards, but showed the kind of athleticism and awareness that coaches covet .
Aaron Roderick, BYU’s offensive coordinator, praised Hagen’s intelligence and quick grasp of the playbook:
“He knows the offense like a veteran player already. He can run and he’s doing a good job.” .
2.
High School Pedigree & Elite Speed
In high school at Corner Canyon (Draper, UT), Hagen was one of Utah’s most decorated receivers. He piled up 3,927 career receiving yards—ranking fourth all-time in state history—with 201 receptions and 51 touchdowns . As a junior in 2021, he posted 1,805 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 129 yards per game and earning Utah Gatorade Player of the Year honors .
He’s not just productive—he’s fast. Clocking a 10.52-second 100‑meter dash and personal-best times around 10.62, Hagen brings rare explosiveness to the receiver room .
3.
New Number, Bigger Role
Photos released in June 2025 show Hagen switching to jersey No. 5, previously worn by Darius Lassiter, indicating an expanded role in BYU’s offense . With the departure of Keelan Marion to the transfer portal, opportunities have opened for dynamic young receivers like Hagen to step up .
4.
Development & Impact Potential
Coaches and analysts view Hagen as a bonafide breakout candidate for 2025. He excelled in spring drills and stood out during summer workouts, pushing into the two-deep rotation . Limited by a late-season injury and spring setback last year, he enters fall healthy and ready to compete fully .
With his high school track record, freakish speed, and rapid football acumen, he’s expected to move from special teams contributor to offensive asset by mid-season. His ability to stretch the field aligns well with BYU offensive coordinator Roderick’s preference for big-play threats.
5.
Comparisons & Ceiling
Some fans on CougarBoard have speculated:
“My buddy says Cody Hagen is a faster Dax Milne… Hagen has the higher ceiling.”
While comparisons are early, the synergy of speed and savvy style echoes former standout receiver Dax Milne, giving hope that Hagen could surpass expectations.
6.
Big 12 Stakes & Team Context
Coming off an 11‑2 season in 2024 and Alamo Bowl triumph, BYU enters its second Big 12 campaign with rising expectations . The offense needs deep-threat playmakers to balance a multifaceted attack led by quarterback stability. Hagen’s emergence could be a critical piece to turning deep-draft hopes into on-field success.
7.
What to Watch in 2025
- Fall Camp: Can Hagen solidify a starting or key subpackage role?
- Early-Season Production: Will he crack the 30–50 yard per game mark?
- Big Plays: Can he haul in highlight-reel touchdowns—downfield or post-screen?
- Health & Consistency: Staying injury-free and maintaining route precision will dictate his trajectory.
Conclusion
Cody Hagen is not just a freshman flyer—he’s a polished, fast, football-intelligent receiver on the verge of becoming BYU’s breakout star. With his high school credentials, rapid development, new jersey, and spring hype, the stage is set for a breakout campaign in 2025. Expect Cougar Nation to see more of his high-octane, game-changing play as the season unfolds.
Let me know if you’d like a film breakdown, depth-chart projection, or how he stacks up among Big 12 wideouts!
