Batty’s back: BYU defensive end Tyler Batty will return for 2024

BYU’s 5-7 2023 season was going to be the last for football captain and defensive end Tyler Batty.

After a heartbreaking 34-40 loss against Oklahoma State in double overtime, all seniors, including Batty, lost their chance to play in a final post-season bowl game.

Instead of ending on a low note, Batty announced on Sunday that he will be staying at BYU to take advantage of his final year of college eligibility. This additional year of eligibility is available for Batty because of the NCAA’s rules regarding the 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Batty made this surprise announcement through a video on his Instagram profile with the caption, “ONE. MORE. YEAR. LET’S GOOOO!”

In an interview with KSL Sports that was also posted to Batty’s social media page, he said he wasn’t sure he would be coming back.

 “It has been a process in deciding… It’s been a lot of deliberation and a lot of talking with the wife,” Batty told KSL Sports.

At the end of all the deliberation, Batty decided he will be back.

Tyler Batty’s big performance in 2023

Batty stood out on the field this year, leading BYU with 5.5 sacks and 57 tackles. Nine of which were for a loss and a fumble recovery.

He also accomplished a career-best 4.5 sacks on the season through 11 games and tied a career-high nine tackles in the 27-14 win over Texas Tech.

Due to his performance throughout the season, Batty was selected as a Second Team All-Big 12 performer.

Other 2023 accomplishments include:

• Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for a career-high nine tackles with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in BYU’s 38-31 win at Arkansas
• Named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list
• Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
• Enters season with fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade among returning Big 12 edge rushers
• Named to PFF Preseason All-Big 12 Third Team
• Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth Team

In total, Batty’s years at BYU have led to 165 tackles, 26.5 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks.

“We feel like we have unfinished business, so we’re coming back”

-Tyler Batty to KSL Sports

With all these accomplishments under his belt, Batty will be coming back to a full year of Big 12 play, ready to continue amazing fans and setting records.

“We feel like we have unfinished business, so we’re coming back,” he said.