Next Destination: Greatness — BYU Cougars Set Sights on 2025 National Championship
The BYU Cougars are entering the 2025 college football season with unshakable focus and sky-high aspirations. Rather than just aiming for bowl eligibility or a respectable record, this year’s team has a much grander vision: competing for the College Football Playoff and ultimately hoisting a national title. With a mix of veteran leadership, breakout stars, elite recruits, and a unified coaching staff, the Cougars believe 2025 could be their most defining season yet.
A Long-Term Plan Coming to Fruition
Head coach Kalani Sitake, now one of the longest-tenured and most respected leaders in college football, has spent the last several years transforming BYU into a program built for sustained success. What began as a culture shift has matured into a well-oiled football machine. Sitake’s approach has been clear from the start—recruit high-character athletes, emphasize toughness and discipline, and create a system where development is as crucial as raw talent.
While BYU has enjoyed some successful seasons in the past, including memorable bowl wins and historic upsets, this year feels different. This is not just a team with potential; it’s a team built to win now. Everything—from offseason conditioning programs to leadership seminars and position battles in spring camp—has been geared toward one goal: becoming national contenders.
Reid and Faumuina Lead Explosive Offense
One of the key factors fueling BYU’s confidence is the elite play at quarterback. Junior Jaren Reid returns after a stellar 2024 campaign in which he threw for over 3,400 yards and accounted for 35 total touchdowns. More than just a passer, Reid has become the emotional leader of the team—a steadying presence in the huddle and a student of the game in the film room.
Paired with Reid in the backfield is rising star Malik Faumuina, a powerful and elusive runner who earned All-Big 12 honors last season. Faumuina’s ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in space gives BYU a true dual-threat offense. The two have developed strong chemistry, and their ability to move the chains, eat up clock, and hit explosive plays has made them one of the most feared tandems in the conference.
BYU’s offensive line also deserves credit. Anchored by upperclassmen with multiple seasons of starting experience, the front five has become one of the most consistent units in the Big 12. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick has emphasized versatility, ensuring the Cougars can adapt to different defenses and game scripts—whether it’s a fast-tempo aerial assault or a ground-and-pound slugfest.
Revamped Defense Brings Toughness and Depth
While the Cougars’ offense often gets the spotlight, it’s the defense that might hold the key to their championship run. Recognizing the need for more speed and aggression, BYU made significant changes to its defensive scheme and personnel over the offseason.
The front seven is anchored by defensive tackle Jordan Mahe and edge rusher Kimo Tuiaki, both of whom possess the size and athleticism to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. These linemen are joined by a dynamic group of linebackers led by Max Tooley, a seasoned senior who has become the heart and soul of the defense. Tooley brings high football IQ, sideline-to-sideline range, and the kind of grit that sets the tone for the entire unit.
In the secondary, BYU added key pieces through both the transfer portal and high school recruiting. Young cornerback Tyrell Wilson has turned heads in camp with his lockdown coverage skills and ball-hawking instincts. Safeties Jayden Epps and Marcus Teo bring experience and communication to the back end, ensuring the Cougars are better prepared for the high-powered passing attacks they’ll face in the Big 12.
Defensive coordinator Ilaisa Tuiaki has introduced a more aggressive philosophy—disguising coverages, bringing more pressure, and emphasizing turnovers. The result? A defense that looks faster, deeper, and more confident than in years past.
Culture of Accountability and Brotherhood
Beyond talent and coaching, one of the most important ingredients in BYU’s rise is its team culture. Players talk openly about brotherhood, accountability, and the deep bond they share—on and off the field. Leadership councils, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives have built trust among players, creating a sense of unity that transcends wins and losses.
Coach Sitake’s emphasis on character development and personal growth has created an environment where players feel valued beyond just their athletic contributions. As a result, the locker room is tight-knit, with veterans guiding freshmen, and every player understanding the standard of excellence required to wear the Cougar uniform.
This culture, combined with BYU’s unique identity as a program rooted in faith and integrity, has helped attract recruits and transfers who are not only athletically gifted but also mentally mature and mission-driven.
A Challenging Road, But a Focused Vision
The Cougars won’t have an easy path to the playoff. Their 2025 schedule is filled with obstacles, including tough road games at Kansas State, Texas, and in-state rival Utah. Conference showdowns with Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU will test BYU’s depth and endurance.
But there’s also a silver lining. If BYU can navigate the Big 12 with a strong record, their strength of schedule will work in their favor when it comes to playoff rankings. The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format also improves their chances of making it to the dance—even with one or two close losses.
Sitake and his staff are preaching the importance of one game at a time. There’s no looking ahead, no scoreboard watching—just a relentless focus on daily improvement and seizing every opportunity.
Fans, Alumni, and Faithful Rejoice
The excitement around the program is palpable. Cougar Nation, long known for its passionate support, has rallied around this team. Season ticket sales are up, social media buzz is electric, and national analysts have started including BYU in serious playoff conversations.
Former players and alumni have returned to speak to the team, share their experiences, and remind this generation of Cougars what’s at stake. For many, this feels like more than just a promising season—it feels like destiny in the making.
Conclusion: The Time Is Now
For years, BYU football has hovered on the edge of greatness—always respected, occasionally dangerous, but rarely seen as true contenders. That perception is changing.
With an elite quarterback, a punishing run game, a swarming defense, and a culture built on unity and belief, the Cougars are charging into the 2025 season with their eyes fixed on the biggest prize in college football.
There will be challenges. There will be adversity. But for the BYU Cougars, the mission is clear.
