How Will Ferrin Keeps BYU Cool Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Cougars’ Secret Weapon in 2025
As the BYU Cougars prepare to enter their third season in the Big 12, all eyes may be on the quarterback competition — but the team’s most consistent performer might not even be under center. Instead, the player who’s quietly become one of the most valuable weapons in the Cougars’ arsenal is senior place kicker Will Ferrin. His cool demeanor, precise leg, and calm leadership under pressure make him the football equivalent of freon in an air conditioner: essential for keeping things cool when the heat turns up.
Head coach Kalani Sitake, now entering a critical season in Provo, is no stranger to pressure. With BYU still trying to fully establish itself in the ultra-competitive Big 12, the stakes are higher than ever. That’s why having a kicker like Ferrin — someone who thrives in tense situations — provides an incredible advantage, especially in a season filled with uncertainties at the quarterback position.
Ferrin, a senior from Kaysville, Utah, ended the 2024 season on a red-hot streak, nailing 16 consecutive field goals, including impressive long-range hits from 54 and 51 yards against Colorado in the Valero Alamo Bowl. But the defining moment came during BYU’s epic rivalry showdown with Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where Ferrin calmly drilled a 44-yard game-winning field goal, sealing a 22-21 victory. That kick didn’t just win the game — it etched his name into Cougar lore.
The 2025 season will be Ferrin’s final chapter with BYU, and it’s arriving at the perfect time for the Cougars. The team is in the midst of a quarterback battle, with Treyson Bourget, McCae Hillstead, and Bear Bachmeier vying for the starting job. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick will undoubtedly be adjusting his play calling depending on which signal caller wins the job. But no matter who’s under center, knowing Ferrin is waiting in the wings to bail out a stalled drive with three reliable points gives BYU a massive strategic edge.
The Value of Experience and Consistency
One of Ferrin’s most critical assets is his experience. Unlike an untested kicker still figuring things out under the pressure of a packed stadium, Ferrin has been through nearly every situation a college kicker can face. From calm home crowds in Provo to hostile environments on the road, Ferrin has delivered time and again. His confidence is not arrogance — it’s the product of relentless preparation, countless reps, and a mindset shaped to withstand chaos.
After missing his first attempt of the 2024 season — a 36-yard kick against SMU — Ferrin rebounded spectacularly. He didn’t miss again from 41 yards or shorter, going 17-for-17 in such attempts and converting all 41 of his extra point tries. That kind of accuracy makes him one of the most reliable kickers in all of college football.
BYU’s special teams operation is also unusually stable heading into 2025. Ferrin will again be paired with punter Sam Vander Haar, who serves as his holder, and deep snapper Garrison Grimes, a transfer from Baylor with 31 games of experience. This continuity ensures flawless timing and rhythm, which is crucial in the often-underappreciated art of field goal kicking.
When Pressure Hits, Ferrin Stays Cold
Ferrin’s mentality is a huge part of what sets him apart. One of the most memorable anecdotes from last season came during the final moments of the Utah game. With BYU driving for a potential game-winning kick, special teams coach Kelly Poppinga approached Ferrin on the sideline and asked which hashmark he preferred the ball to be placed. Ferrin didn’t flinch. He replied that it didn’t matter — he was going to make the kick regardless.
That kind of poise is rare. While many players — even professionals — struggle with pressure, Ferrin seems to thrive in it. His calm, composed body language, even as the game-winning moment approaches, is a huge asset for BYU. Watching him walk onto the field with a game on the line is like watching someone head out for a casual beach stroll. His mindset has been shaped by hours of mental conditioning, visualization, and sheer repetition — and it’s this preparation that allows him to block out the noise when it matters most.
Ferrin’s confidence doesn’t stem from ego but from mastery. He’s methodical and mentally strong. When everyone else is holding their breath, Ferrin is breathing normally.
Why Ferrin Matters More Than Ever in 2025
The significance of a great kicker is often overlooked until the moment comes when everything rests on their shoulders. With BYU’s quarterback situation still unresolved, having Ferrin as a scoring safety net is a major relief for the coaching staff. Drives that stall at midfield still offer a chance to put points on the board, and that completely alters how Roderick can approach play calling.
In other words, BYU doesn’t need its new quarterback to be perfect. They just need him to be good enough to get the team into Ferrin’s range. That flexibility can be the difference between gambling on risky third-and-long throws or settling for three points and trusting the defense. With Ferrin’s leg, the Cougars don’t have to force plays — they can trust their process.
His presence also impacts field position decisions. Coaches often debate whether to punt or go for it on fourth down. But with Ferrin, a drive that crosses the opponent’s 35-yard line can realistically yield points. That confidence affects not just special teams but the entire offensive philosophy.
Ice in His Veins, Fire in His Foot
As the Cougars battle the sweltering heat of summer practices and the pressure of a challenging Big 12 schedule, Sitake can’t do much about the weather. But he knows he has a player who brings the emotional equivalent of air conditioning to the team. Ferrin plays with ice in his veins, and that makes a world of difference when games are on the line.
Much like the freon that keeps Sitake’s office and truck cool in the hot Utah sun, Ferrin cools down the tension on the field. He gives coaches peace of mind, inspires teammates, and strikes fear into opposing defenses who know that BYU’s scoring threat begins far earlier than the red zone.
In a season full of unknowns, Ferrin represents something rare: dependability. His 2025 campaign won’t just be about splitting the uprights — it could be the key to unlocking BYU’s potential in a make-or-break year in the Big 12.
When the heat is on — whether it’s a blistering day in August or the final seconds of a rivalry game — Sitake can rest easy knowing he has Will Ferrin. And that’s a luxury not every coach has.
