‘I’m just excited to see … how much chaos we can cause’ — BYU’s defense looks to take another leap in 2025
Provo, Utah – BYU’s defense isn’t just preparing for another season in the rugged Big 12 — it’s preparing to unleash chaos.
Following a 2024 campaign that saw the Cougars defense soar in national turnover rankings under the aggressive leadership of Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill, expectations for 2025 are nothing short of electrifying. Hill, a former head coach at Weber State, has infused a disruptive, fast-paced, and ball-hungry mentality into the unit. And now, he says, they’re ready to cause “even more chaos.”
“Last year was just a taste,” Hill told reporters. “We turned people over, flew to the ball, but we’re still not close to where we can be. I’m just excited to see how much chaos we can cause this time.”
Returning leaders such as safety Tanner Wall and linebacker Max Tooley bring the swagger and experience needed to elevate the defense to new heights. Several incoming transfers and talented underclassmen are expected to contribute immediately, with depth no longer a concern.
BYU ranked among the top teams in the Big 12 last season in forced turnovers and third-down defense — two areas Hill has prioritized in every practice. The defensive line has bulked up, the secondary has tightened its coverage, and the blitz packages? “Let’s just say they won’t see it coming,” Hill smiled.
As offensive uncertainty looms with the departure of quarterback Jake Retzlaff, the defense is embracing its role as the tone-setter for the team.
“We’re hungry,” said Wall. “We want to be feared.”
If chaos truly is the Cougars’ new identity, then 2025 might just be the year BYU’s defense becomes the most talked-about unit in the Big 12.
