Carsen Ryan’s journey from a standout high school athlete to a pivotal player for the BYU Cougars embodies a narrative rich in family tradition, personal determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Wearing the No. 20 jersey, Ryan has seamlessly blended his family’s athletic legacy with his own aspirations, culminating in a career that resonates with Cougar pride.Early Life and High School Success born to Chas and Danielle Ryan, Carsen grew up in Orem, Utah, alongside his younger brother and two younger sisters. His formative years were steeped in a family environment that valued sports and competition, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors. Attending Timpview High School for his initial three years, Ryan showcased his athletic prowess early on. However, it was during his senior year at American Fork High School that he truly made headlines. In the 2020 season, he amassed 53 receptions for 609 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Cavemen to the 6A state quarterfinals. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the Utah MaxPreps All-State First Team and solidified his reputation as one of the state’s top talents. Collegiate Beginnings at UCLA Ryan’s impressive high school career attracted national attention, culminating in a four-star recruit rating and recognition as the No. 3 tight end nationally by ESPN. Choosing to further his academic and athletic pursuits at UCLA, he enrolled early in January 2022, participating in spring practices to get a head start on his collegiate journey. During his freshman year, Ryan saw action in five games, recording six catches for 82 yards. His sophomore season in 2023 marked a significant uptick in his contributions; he appeared in 12 games with eight starts, tallying 13 receptions for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Notably, he had a standout performance against Utah, securing three catches for 69 yards. Transition to the University of Utah seeking opportunities closer to home, Ryan transferred to the University of Utah for the 2024 season. His tenure with the Utes was marked by consistent performance, as he played in all 12 games, starting five. He accumulated 10 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his adaptability and skill in a new system. His most notable game came against Colorado, where he set career highs with four receptions for 78 yards, including a season-long 25-yard catch. Embracing the Cougar Legacy at BYU in December 2024, Ryan made the pivotal decision to transfer to Brigham Young University, embracing the Cougar legacy and bringing his journey full circle back to his roots in Utah County. His commitment to BYU was met with enthusiasm, as the Cougars were in need of a seasoned tight end to bolster their offense. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick emphasized Ryan’s immediate impact, noting that the team was “making a point of getting the ball to Carsen every day in practice.” Ryan’s versatility as both a reliable pass-catcher and a formidable blocker has been lauded by teammates and coaches alike. Starting quarterback Jake Retzlaff praised him as “a heckuva football player,” highlighting his ability to create separation and utilize his physicality against defenders. This well-rounded skill set positions Ryan as a key component in BYU’s offensive strategy for the upcoming season. Looking Ahead as the 2025 season approaches, Ryan stands poised to make a significant impact for the BYU Cougars. His journey—a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a deep-seated love for the game—serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Wearing the No. 20 jersey, he not only honors his personal and family legacy but also embodies the spirit and pride of BYU football.
