Coming into the 2024 football season, BYU was only projected to win a measly four games, but across all units, the Cougars rose above expectations, having their best season in 15 years.
These three aspects of BYU football surprised everybody last season, and if they can replicate them in 2025, another special season may be in store.
1. Special teams success
BYU has never been a team known for its stellar special teams play, but in 2024 the Cougars were possibly the best special teams unit in the country.
In total, the Cougars returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, two punts for touchdowns, led the Big 12 in field goals made, and converted on two fake field goals.
You have to go back to 2014 to see the last time when a BYU kick returner found the end zone. Keelan Marion did it twice in 2024, most notably against Utah in a close rivalry win. Had Marion not scored in Salt Lake City, BYU might have lost to its rival.
The last punt return touchdown for BYU was in 2013, but Parker Kingston broke that drought with two touchdowns in 2024. Against Kansas State, Kingston scrambled for a total of 137 yards for his epic highlight that landed him on the SportsCenter Top 10.
PLAY OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE FROM BYU'S PARKER KINGSTON 😮 pic.twitter.com/VqvaJPR6ef
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2024
BYU kicker Will Ferrin had an incredibly clutch year as well. From week six on, Ferrin went 16 for 16 on field goals, and hit one of the biggest kicks in BYU history when he nailed the game-winning field goal against Utah.
All signs point to Marion, Kingston, and Ferrin returning in 2025, but expectations will be higher than ever for the Cougars' special teams.
2. A dominant linebacker trio
Just a year after BYU's defense was one of the worst in all of college football, Jay Hill's stifling crew was the surprise of the Big 12.
The Cougar defense only allowed 308.8 yards per game, which was 13th best in the country and the best in the Big 12.
One of the biggest keys to the massive defensive turnaround was the linebacker trio of Jack Kelly, Harrison Taggart and Isaiah Glasker.
In the offseason, the linebacker room was one of the biggest question marks on the team. The two leading tacklers of 2023 Max Tooley and A.J. Vongphachanh graduated, and two-time tackle leader Ben Bywater was forced to medically retire. This left underclassmen Glasker and Taggart, and Weber State transfer Kelly, to fill the void.
They were more than up to the task.
Glasker and Taggart led the team in tackles with 70 and 69, respectively. Kelly's five sacks also led the team.
The three stout linebackers were possibly the most consistent position group on the whole team.
Kelly's name rose in NFL draft discussions as the season went on, so BYU fans will have to stay hopeful that he returns for 2025. Kelly hasn't actually said what his intentions are for next year, but if he wants to enter, he will be drafted.
Jack's even scarier in slowmo. pic.twitter.com/MrL2nQC3fg
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 23, 2024
Glasker and Taggart will likely both be back next season.
If the Cougars can keep this trio together, they just might recreate their 2024 dominance.
3. Two top-level receivers
Both Chase Roberts and Darius Lassiter had excellent seasons, tallying over 40 receptions, 700 yards, and four receiving touchdowns each. Having two elite receivers was a massive benefit for quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who had a breakout season.
However, with Darius Lassiter out of eligibility, BYU will need to fill the hole with either someone from the existing receiving room, or in the transfer portal.
Keelan Marion is an established veteran who may be able to fill in, but can he really get 20 more receptions and 350 more yards? Marion is an effective playmaker, making his mark as a receiver, returner, and rusher, but he might be most effective for BYU in his current role.
Young standouts JoJo Phillips and Parker Kingston had moments of excellence, but will need to have major improvements in the offseason if they want to take over the Lassiter slot.
Two years ago, BYU signed Lassiter and Marion out of the portal, so it is conceivable that the Cougars could dip into the portal to find their new man.