As BYU football fans count down the final weeks until the 2025 season begins, excitement is brewing in Provo. After an impressive 11-2 campaign last year, Cougar Nation is optimistic that another stellar season could be on the horizon. Despite the questions surrounding the starting quarterback position, several key players have already emerged as critical components of BYU’s success. In anticipation of the new season, let’s explore a series of fun preseason “superlatives” that highlight the standout traits and contributions of five of BYU’s most important players.
Most Likely to Succeed – Chase Roberts, Wide Receiver
At the top of the list is Chase Roberts, a senior wideout who is expected to be a key contributor regardless of who ultimately wins the quarterback job. Roberts has already made a name for himself after a strong 2024 campaign, where he racked up 52 receptions for 854 yards. Despite considering entering the NFL Draft, he decided to return for one more year at BYU—a move that could significantly boost his draft stock.
Roberts stands out not only for his size—he’s an imposing 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds—but also for his consistency and ability to make tough catches. While Jake Retzlaff led the Cougars to wins last season, his passing stats were average at best, averaging just 227 yards per game. If the new starting quarterback can provide even marginal improvement in the passing game, Roberts could easily eclipse 1,000 receiving yards this season. With a high ceiling and an established presence on the field, he is undeniably BYU’s most likely breakout star for 2025.
Most Likely to Be President – Keanu Tanuvasa, Defensive Tackle
If there were a leadership award in college football, Keanu Tanuvasa would be a top candidate. After transferring from archrival Utah, Tanuvasa has already made waves in the BYU locker room. According to head coach Kalani Sitake, Tanuvasa has shown strong leadership qualities from the very beginning. This isn’t surprising, considering his maturity, poise, and intellectual presence in media interviews. He exudes calm confidence and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of team dynamics and the bigger picture.
Even while managing the tricky political and emotional dynamics of transferring from Utah to BYU—a move that naturally draws attention and occasional criticism—Tanuvasa has held himself with dignity and professionalism. On the field, he brings proven ability, having earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors last season despite battling injuries. If BYU football needed a statesman, Tanuvasa would be their nominee.
Most Dependable – Will Ferrin, Kicker
In a sport where special teams often don’t get the spotlight, Will Ferrin shines as BYU’s most reliable performer. The 2025 preseason All-American is widely considered one of the top collegiate kickers in the country. His stellar play last year earned him the Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year honor, and Cougar fans are breathing easier knowing he’ll be handling kicking duties again this season.
Unlike the NFL, where elite kickers routinely deliver from 50 yards or more, college teams often deal with inconsistency in the kicking game. That’s what makes Ferrin so valuable—his consistency and poise under pressure. He famously delivered a clutch field goal to beat Utah last season, etching his name into BYU lore. Whether it’s a 20-yard chip shot or a game-deciding boot from deep, Ferrin gives BYU a major advantage on special teams.
Biggest Flirt – LJ Martin, Running Back
LJ Martin is a player who has teased BYU fans with glimpses of brilliance. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Martin has the size, power, and speed to be a dominant force in the backfield. And yet, his career so far has been marked by brief flashes of brilliance interrupted by nagging injuries. His shoulder and ankle issues have kept him from fully reaching his potential over his first two seasons in Provo.
Despite the setbacks, Martin has still managed to rush for 1,236 yards and 11 touchdowns on 246 carries, averaging over five yards per attempt. Those numbers are impressive given the physical toll and inconsistency he’s had to deal with. If he can stay healthy, Martin has the tools to become a 1,000-yard rusher and one of the best backs in the Big 12. But Cougar fans are still waiting for that full season of sustained excellence—hence the fitting “Biggest Flirt” label.
Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts
As the Cougars prepare for what could be a pivotal season in their post-independence Big 12 journey, these preseason superlatives offer a fun way to recognize the team’s biggest personalities and most important contributors. While only five players were highlighted, many others are also poised to make major impacts in 2025.
Coach Kalani Sitake’s team has the potential to once again compete at a high level. With questions still lingering around the quarterback competition and the integration of key transfers, leadership, health, and consistency will be critical. Fortunately, players like Roberts, Tanuvasa, Ferrin, and Martin each bring something unique to the table—elite skill, character, dependability, or untapped potential.
Whether BYU contends for a conference title or falls short may depend on how these stars perform when it matters most. But one thing’s for sure—Cougar fans can’t wait to find out.
