The Missing Piece: BYU Wide Receiver Cody Hagen Could Be Poised for Breakout Season in 2025
By Jackson Reid – Mountain West Insider | June 23, 2025
After two years of flashes, promise, and patience, Cody Hagen may finally be ready to become the guy in BYU’s offense. The former four-star recruit out of Corner Canyon High School, who once turned down offers from Ohio State, USC, and Stanford to stay true to his LDS roots and suit up in Provo, is entering the 2025 season with a rare blend of pressure and potential. And for the Cougars, he may be the missing piece in their quest to return to national relevance.
Hagen, now a redshirt sophomore, stands 6’1”, 195 pounds with elite track speed—he clocked a 10.51 100m in high school—and has refined his route-running and hands over two developmental seasons. In 2024, he battled minor injuries and depth chart logjams but still posted 31 catches for 487 yards and 3 touchdowns, mostly in spot duty. Coaches say that was just a preview.
> “Cody’s worked like a pro all offseason,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “He’s stronger, smarter, and more confident than ever. We’re expecting him to be a top weapon in our offense this year.”
That confidence is backed by offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, who has drawn up a series of new schemes designed to feature Hagen in the slot and on deep crossers—where he has been borderline unguardable during spring scrimmages. With the graduation of veteran receivers Keanu Hill and Chase Roberts, the opportunity is Hagen’s for the taking.
In BYU’s Blue and White Spring Game, Hagen stole the show with 6 catches for 102 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 58-yard bomb from returning starter Ryder Burton. The chemistry between the two has become one of the most talked-about storylines out of Provo this offseason.
> “It’s like we’ve been playing together for five years,” Burton said of Hagen. “He just knows where to be. He creates space that isn’t there. That’s what separates him.”
Behind the scenes, Hagen has transformed himself from a talented athlete into a technician. Wide receivers coach Fesi Sitake praises his attention to detail—spending extra hours breaking down film, working footwork drills on his own, and even mentoring younger receivers.
National analysts are starting to take notice. ESPN’s Trevor Matich recently called Hagen “a breakout waiting to happen,” projecting him to lead BYU in receiving and potentially crack All-Big 12 honors if he stays healthy.
More importantly, Hagen’s rise could be the key to unlocking BYU’s evolving offense. With a maturing offensive line, a mobile quarterback in Burton, and an improved run game, the Cougars are poised to be far more dynamic in 2025. For that to happen, they need a go-to receiver—one with speed, toughness, and reliability.
All signs point to Cody Hagen.
> “I’ve waited my turn,” Hagen said quietly after a spring workout. “Now I’m ready to show what I can do—not just for me, but for this program.”
BYU fans are hoping that in a year of change and opportunity, Hagen becomes not just the missing piece—but the centerpiece.
