Where ESPN ranked BYU's offseason against Big 12 rivals

We're approaching the three-month mark before BYU football season kicks off. Anticipation is building in Provo after nearly sneaking in the Big 12 title game last year.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly recently ranked each Power Four team’s offseason. He took the entire situation into account, including the transfer portal. As it stands, BYU was near the bottom at ninth out 16 Big 12 teams.

The Cougars are coming off a strong 2024 season and look to build on that momentum. However, losing key players was tough moving forward.

One of the biggest positives was the return of quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who racked up over 3,300 total yards and 26 touchdowns last season. BYU also brings back six other offensive starters from their impressive Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

Key additions in the transfer portal, particularly along the defensive line with Keanu Tanuvasa, Justin Kirkland, and former Texas recruit Tausili Akana, help address major needs in the trenches. Offensively, Stanford receiver Tiger Bachmeier and tight end Carsen Ryan should help replace departing playmakers.

However, the Cougars weren’t immune to roster turnover as previously mentioned. Twelve players who started at least nine games in 2024 are gone, including major contributors like Tyler Batty, Jakob Robinson, and Keelan Marion. The losses are especially heavy along both the offensive and defensive lines, where BYU must rely on new talent. Though the portal class wasn’t large, the staff targeted critical gaps.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly top preseason teams 

1. Texas Tech

2. Arizona State

3. Baylor

4. Iowa State

5. Kansas State

6. TCU

7. Utah

8. Cincinnati

9. BYU

10. Colorado

11. Houston

12. Oklahoma State

13. West Virginia

14. Kansas

15. Arizona

16. UCF

Connelly emphasized the importance of Retzlaff coming back for his senior season. But noted the lack of overall transfer activity to the program was a concern. BYU’s success in 2025 will depend heavily on whether Retzlaff can take another step forward and whether new starters can rise to the occasion. This is where head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff will develop talent. It will be a key factor as the Cougars aim to remain competitive in the Big 12.