John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

BYU WR locked in for 2025 comeback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 12, 2025 12:34 PM ET

Chase Roberts knew the moment his shoulder hit the turf in the Alamo Bowl that the road back wouldn’t be easy. But now, with kickoff against Portland State less than three months away, BYU’s star receiver says he’s “doing everything” and is full-go for 2025.

“It’s great. I can do everything. I have been catching,” Roberts told the “Y’s Guys” podcast. “We were running all the routes from the route tree and doing all the things we’ll be doing this fall.”

Roberts, who hauled in 52 receptions for 854 yards and four touchdowns last season, is entering the year as the Cougars’ top offensive weapon. And with NFL scouts watching closely, he’s more determined than ever to evolve into a complete, next-level receiver.

“I need to keep doing what I‘m doing but take it to the next level,” Roberts said. “Jet sweeps, screens, deep balls, yards after catch—being the guy who makes plays in big-time moments.”

His offseason plan includes intense shoulder rehab, simulated contact drills, and new perspectives from his time on the sideline this spring. Watching practices from a quarterback’s lens gave him fresh insight into blitz reads and route timing—key tools he plans to use to help quarterback Jake Retzlaff and the BYU offense click early and often.

“I was able to see everything from Jake’s perspective… I need to speed up my route and I‘m going to be open more often,” he explained.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound graduate’s return couldn’t come at a better time. With Darius Lassiter and Keelan Marion gone, Roberts leads a revamped group that now includes returning speedsters JoJo Phillips, Parker Kingston, and Cody Hagen, plus transfer standouts Tiger Bachmeier (Stanford) and Reggie Frichknecht (Snow College).

“We have guys that are fast, they know the route tree… I think we have a full, complete receivers room now,” Roberts said. More than anything, he’s motivated by BYU’s rise. Last year’s 11-2 finish and No. 13 AP ranking have set a new standard in Provo.

“Everybody knows BYU now,” Roberts said. “We’re in the pool of the best teams in the nation.” And if Roberts has anything to say about it, 2025 will be the season he proves he’s one of the best players in it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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