The 2025 BYU football team is poised for an exciting Fall camp, filled with fresh faces and new talent eager to make their mark. With the team looking to bounce back and build momentum, a number of key newcomers are drawing attention ahead of the season. These 10 players, from transfers to true freshmen, are set to shape the course of the Cougars’ 2025 campaign. Here’s an in-depth look at each standout and what they bring to the table.
1. Bear Bachmeier – Quarterback
The most anticipated storyline heading into Fall camp is undoubtedly the quarterback competition. At the center of it is Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman and Stanford transfer. Initially expected to redshirt and develop behind Jake Retzlaff, Bachmeier now finds himself in the thick of the battle for the starting job. Although he faces steep competition, his raw talent, arm strength, and football IQ could set him apart if he quickly adapts to the playbook. BYU sees him as a future franchise quarterback—how soon that future arrives depends on his performance in camp.
2. Andrew Gentry – Offensive Lineman
Andrew Gentry, a former Michigan Wolverine, is another player to watch closely. Cleared for full participation after recovering from a foot injury, Gentry didn’t get many reps in the Spring but will now compete for the starting right tackle job. His size, strength, and prior high-level experience could instantly bolster the offensive line. If he performs well, Gentry could become a reliable presence protecting whoever wins the QB competition.
3. Tiger Bachmeier – Wide Receiver
Joining his brother Bear in Provo, wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier arrives with impressive credentials from Stanford. In 2023, he led all Pac-12 true freshmen in receiving yards and also contributed as a return specialist. With two years of eligibility left, Tiger’s speed, route-running, and high football IQ—backed by his accelerated computer science degree—make him a near-lock for the wide receiver rotation. His versatility and playmaking skills will add another dimension to BYU’s passing game.
4. Carsen Ryan – Tight End
Returning tight end Carsen Ryan had a strong Spring camp and was a favorite target of Retzlaff. Heading into the fall, Ryan’s ability to build chemistry with a new quarterback is key. As a senior with solid hands and good blocking ability, he’s a likely candidate to serve as a safety net for whoever lines up under center. If he continues to build on his Spring performance, Ryan could become one of the offense’s most reliable contributors.
5. Keanu Tanuvasa – Defensive Lineman
Defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, a transfer from Utah, is expected to anchor the defensive front. A natural leader with explosive power, Tanuvasa may be BYU’s most impactful defensive tackle since Khyiris Tonga. Coaches are counting on him to set the tone physically and emotionally for the defense. His presence could dramatically improve BYU’s performance against the run and help control the line of scrimmage.
6. Justin Kirkland – Defensive Lineman
Joining Tanuvasa on the interior line is Justin Kirkland, who transferred from Oklahoma State. Kirkland was projected to start for the Cowboys in 2025 but chose BYU instead. With his size and experience, he’s expected to start next to Tanuvasa. Their pairing could be one of BYU’s strongest interior line duos in recent memory, capable of disrupting both the run game and collapsing the pocket from within.
7. Tausili Akana – Defensive End
Another transfer on the defensive front is Texas product Tausili Akana. Akana has spent months bulking up to meet BYU’s physical demands at defensive end. His progress in adding weight will be closely monitored, but early reports are positive. With raw pass-rushing talent, Akana could emerge as BYU’s top edge threat. Even if he doesn’t start immediately, he’s expected to be a consistent part of the defensive rotation.
8. Reggie Frischknecht – Wide Receiver
One of the most intriguing additions is wideout Reggie Frischknecht from Weber State via Snow College. As a true freshman at Snow, he racked up 740 yards and 14 touchdowns in just 11 games, averaging nearly 20 yards per catch. In a crowded receiver room, Frischknecht is a wildcard. His big-play ability and knack for getting open make him a serious contender for playing time and a potential breakout star.
9. Hunter Clegg – Defensive End
True freshman Hunter Clegg returned from his mission last December and is working his way back into football shape. While he may not be physically ready for heavy snaps right away, Clegg’s long-term potential is immense. Coaches view him as a future starter once the “mission rust” fades. For now, expect to see him in a rotational role, similar to Viliami Po’uha’s return last season, gradually earning more responsibility.
10. Andrew Williams – Offensive Lineman
Lastly, true freshman Andrew Williams made waves late in Spring camp by getting some first-team reps. Although he’s unlikely to start in 2025, his rapid development could make him a key depth piece this year and a cornerstone for the future. If he proves dependable during Fall camp, BYU will gain vital depth at tackle—an area where long-term security is always valuable.
Final Thoughts
This upcoming BYU Fall camp is about more than just preparation—it’s about transition, opportunity, and the emergence of a new generation of Cougar stars. From the quarterback battle featuring the promising Bear Bachmeier to defensive standouts like Keanu Tanuvasa and Justin Kirkland, the Cougars have infused their roster with talent and potential. Meanwhile, skill players like Tiger Bachmeier and Reggie Frischknecht promise to add speed and versatility to the offense.
The influx of transfers and true freshmen this offseason has significantly raised the ceiling for BYU football in 2025. Many of these players are not only expected to contribute immediately but also to lay the foundation for future success. As Fall camp unfolds, the coaching staff will be watching closely to see who separates themselves from the pack—because from this pool of newcomers could emerge the leaders and stars of the next great BYU team.
