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BYU 2025 FALL CAMP POSITION PREVIEW: TIGHT ENDS
In Provo, the mountains are quiet — but inside BYU’s fall camp facility, the tight end room is roaring with energy, intensity, and high expectations. As the Cougars gear up for their second season in the Big 12 under head coach Kalani Sitake, the spotlight quietly shifts to one of the program’s most traditionally overlooked weapons: the tight ends.
But don’t get it twisted — this 2025 group isn’t just a supporting cast. It might be the heartbeat of the offense.
⭐ Headliner: Tyson Fakahua (Senior, 6’5”, 253 lbs)
Entering his final year in Provo, Fakahua has morphed into the perfect blend of old-school toughness and modern-day versatility. A converted high school quarterback, Tyson has polished his route running and improved his in-line blocking tenfold since arriving on campus. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has reportedly designed multiple packages specifically around Fakahua’s ability to shift from a traditional TE spot to the slot, and even motion out wide. NFL scouts have taken notice.
“He’s our chess piece,” said tight ends coach Steve Clark. “And we’re going to move him all over the board.”
👀 Breakout Watch: Jax Traeger (RS Freshman, 6’4”, 245 lbs)
A local product from American Fork, Traeger redshirted last year but has exploded in camp. Described by teammates as having “Isaac Rex hands with a linebacker’s mentality,” Jax is earning serious second-team reps and is making a legitimate push for playing time in 12 and 13 personnel sets. His catch radius is enormous, and his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage is eerily advanced for his age.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he catches 20 balls this year,” said one anonymous BYU staffer. “He’s that good already.”
🔨 The Blocker: Sione Kaufusi (Junior, 6’6”, 260 lbs)
While Fakahua and Traeger are expected to impact the passing game, Kaufusi may quietly be the most important tight end on the roster. As BYU leans into a more balanced, physical run game to ease pressure on their young quarterback battle (headlined by Bear Bachmeier), Kaufusi’s nasty streak as an edge-sealer is crucial. Expect him to be a key fixture in goal-line and short-yardage situations.
🧠 The Wild Card: Caleb Vaka (Sophomore, 6’3”, 241 lbs)
Vaka missed spring ball due to a minor injury, but coaches remain high on his upside. Originally recruited as a hybrid H-back, his versatility might earn him special packages this fall, especially in red zone and misdirection sets. His health will be a key storyline entering the final weeks of camp.
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🔍 Overall Outlook
BYU’s tight end room doesn’t just check the boxes — it forces opposing defenses to redraw theirs. With a blend of size, experience, and sneaky depth, this could be one of the most productive TE units in the Big 12, especially if the quarterback situation stabilizes early.
In a season full of unknowns, the tight ends might just be the offense’s most reliable anchor — and possibly, its secret weapon.
Let me know if you’d like similar previews for other position groups like QB, OL, or secondary!
