As BYU gears up for the 2025 football season, Fall camp will serve as the final proving ground for many players on defense. While the team has seen several personnel shifts since Spring camp—including the departure of quarterback Jake Retzlaff—focus has now shifted toward solidifying the defensive depth chart. With position battles across the board and a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, the BYU defense is poised for an intriguing and potentially impactful year.
Defensive Line: A Blend of Experience and High Ceiling
Defensive Ends
The defensive end position is one of the most hotly contested battles on the roster heading into Fall camp. Veterans Bodie Schoonover and Logan Lutui bring experience and consistency, having logged important snaps in past seasons. However, they’ll be challenged by a host of younger, high-upside talents including Hunter Clegg, Tausili Akana, Kinilau Fonohema, Viliami Po’uha, and Ephraim Asiata. The coaching staff faces a classic dilemma: play it safe with seasoned players or take a gamble on raw potential with higher athletic ceilings. Spring camp didn’t offer much clarity, leaving the door wide open for these battles to carry deep into Fall.
Projected Rotation:
- Starters: Bodie Schoonover, Logan Lutui/Tausili Akana
- Backups: Ephraim Asiata, Hunter Clegg, Viliami Po’uha, Orion Maile-Kaufusi
Interior Defensive Line
The defensive tackle spots are more settled, largely due to impactful transfer additions. Former Utah standout Keanu Tanuvasa headlines the group. A two-year starter for the Utes, Tanuvasa brings physicality, discipline, and big-game experience to the Cougars’ front. Alongside him is Justin Kirkland, a reliable veteran who transferred from Oklahoma State to provide added strength up front. Both are expected to lead the charge in the trenches.
Snow College’s John Taumoepeau is another name to watch. He took first-team reps during Spring camp and is very much in the mix. Meanwhile, Anisi Purcell, who transferred from SUU and transitioned from defensive end to the interior line, has shown an impressive motor and playmaking ability.
Projected Rotation:
- Starters: Keanu Tanuvasa, Justin Kirkland
- Backups: John Taumoepeau, Anisi Purcell, Sani Tuala
Linebackers: Depth Adjustments After Taggart’s Exit
Despite the transfer of Harrison Taggart, BYU’s linebacker unit remains one of the defense’s most promising areas thanks to its core leaders. Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker are near-locks for the starting lineup. Kelly has proven to be a dynamic edge presence, while Glasker plays with range and instinct that few on the roster can match.
In Taggart’s absence, the coaching staff is expected to turn to Siale Esera. Though Esera missed significant time last season due to injury, his flashes as a true freshman left a lasting impression. He was previously described by defensive coordinator Jay Hill as one of the team’s top mike linebackers. If Esera is healthy, he’ll slot into the starting lineup with confidence.
Choe Bryant-Strother and Ace Kaufusi are expected to provide depth and versatility. Miles Hall, a hybrid linebacker-safety, rounds out the second-string rotation and gives the team schematic flexibility.
Projected Rotation:
- Starters: Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker, Siale Esera
- Backups: Choe Bryant-Strother, Ace Kaufusi, Miles Hall
Safety: Veterans Face Pressure from Young Talent
The safety group features both stability and rising competition. Tanner Wall and Raider Damuni appear to be the frontrunners for starting roles heading into Fall. Both bring leadership and field awareness to the back end of the defense.
However, true sophomores Faletau Satuala and Tommy Prassas aren’t far behind. Both players received meaningful reps as freshmen in 2024, and their development trajectory is upward. Satuala, in particular, made some impressive plays during Spring camp and could push for a starting spot if he continues his current pace.
Wall and Damuni’s experience gives them an edge, but the next few weeks of camp could tighten the race even further.
Projected Rotation:
- Starters: Tanner Wall, Raider Damuni
- Backups: Faletau Satuala, Tommy Prassas
Cornerbacks: Youth Movement Ready to Step Up
The cornerback position may be one of the most balanced areas in terms of experience and potential. Evan Johnson is a standout returning player who graded as BYU’s top defender last season. He’s expected to lock down one starting cornerback spot with ease.
Opposite him, Mory Bamba brings valuable experience and will likely begin camp as a starter. Behind them, there’s a wealth of young talent that could force the coaches to reconsider by season’s start. Tre Alexander and Marcus McKenzie are two former top recruits eager to break into the rotation. Jayden Dunlap is another viable option who has shown enough flashes to remain in the mix.
The nickel position will likely be manned by Jonathan Kabeya, a long-anticipated breakout player. Kabeya has the agility and IQ to thrive in a hybrid role and seems to be taking over the position with confidence. Former wide receiver Cannon DeVries is now in the two-deep and offers athleticism and versatility.
Projected Rotation:
- Starters: Evan Johnson, Mory Bamba, Jonathan Kabeya (Nickel)
- Backups: Tre Alexander, Marcus McKenzie/Jayden Dunlap, Cannon DeVries (Nickel)
Overall Outlook: Versatility, Talent, and Unfinished Business
Heading into Fall camp, the BYU defense offers a compelling mix of known commodities and emerging players. On the defensive line, the addition of proven transfers like Tanuvasa and Kirkland fortifies the interior, while edge players will need to sort themselves out during camp.
At linebacker, the departure of Taggart hurts depth, but Glasker, Kelly, and Esera represent a trio capable of anchoring the defense. Meanwhile, the secondary is shaping up to be more competitive than it has been in recent years, with both safeties and corners facing internal pressure from rising stars.
Fall camp will be critical for sorting out positional hierarchies, especially at defensive end and in the secondary. If the young talent develops as expected, and key veterans stay healthy, BYU’s defense could become a well-rounded, playmaking unit in 2025.
