BYU Defense Preview 2025: The Big 12's Best Defense Is Still Loaded

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 2:35 AM ET

There wasn’t a pass rush of any sort - it was the worst in the Big 12. There weren’t any tackles for loss, and the third down stops weren’t there, but …

BYU had the Big 12’s best defense.

It allowed just 309 yards and fewer than 20 points per game, mostly because there were lots and lots of takeaways. It forced 29 on the year, with at least one in every game, and went 9-0 when forcing two or more.

There’s a strong group returning - there isn’t much needed from the portal - starting with …

BYU Cougars Preview 2025: Defense

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2025 BYU Preview
BYU Offense Breakdown
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season

- What pass rush there was came from the linebackers. Jack Kelly led the team with five, leading tackler Isaiah Glasker was second with 3.5 with 70 stops, and they’re both back around Siale Esera, a 245-pounder who’ll take over in the middle.

- The line has good size, and it got stronger with Keanu Tanuvasa coming in from Utah to take over one of the tackle gigs, and Justin Kirkland (Oklahoma State) should take over one of the other spots.

Logan Lutui is the top returning end, but he has to start getting into the backfield more. He’ll have to hold off a slew of young options pushing for time in fall camp.

- The secondary is sneaky strong. Safety Tanner Wall tied for the team lead with three picks with 53 stops, and there should be a good battle for the other safety jobs, with Raider Damuni with the inside track to take over the strong safety gig.

The safeties are good, the corners are better with Evan Johnson and Mory Bamba two seasoned veterans who know what they’re doing.

Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season
2025 BYU Preview
BYU Offense Breakdown

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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