As BYU enters its third season in the Big 12, the Cougars are heading into a pivotal year that will shape the trajectory of the program’s future. This coming season, BYU has the chance to solidify itself as a top contender in the Big 12 and send a message to the league and the country that the Cougars are here to stay. While BYU returns a core group of seasoned veterans to lead the roster, it’s the next wave of talent that could define the program not just in 2025 but for years to come.
These are the five freshmen and sophomores who are most likely to have an impact this season:
- QB Bear Bachmeier
- DB Tre Alexander
- WR LaMason Waller
- DE Hunter Clegg
- DB Jonathan Kabeya
Each of these players brings a unique combination of talent and work ethic that could lead BYU to something special in the near future. As BYU has learned in the first two years in the Big 12, speed, versatility, and depth are necessary if you are going to compete at the P5 level. These five players just might be the pieces BYU needs to compete for a Big 12 title in 2025.
1. Quarterback– Bear Bachmeier
BYU’s quarterback room got a major boost when Bear Bachmeier entered the transfer portal this spring and committed to the Cougars. Bachmeier is a true freshman who transferred from Stanford after being ranked as a 4-star prospect and a top-30 QB in the 2025 class. At 6’2” 225 lbs, he’s a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm, impressive elusiveness, and an incredible high school stat line of 92 touchdowns to just 14 interceptions, along with over 1,700 rushing yards and 33 rushing TDs.
2025 Projection:
With Jake Retzlaff transferring, Bachmeier could see the field much earlier than expected. Expect him to compete for the starting job in fall camp alongside USU transfer McCae Hillstead and WMU transfer Treyson Bourguet. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, BYU will likely find ways to utilize him in running or red zone packages to utilize his unique running ability. A late-season quarterback change due to the performance of the starter or the team as a whole could also pave the way for Bachmeier to become the face of BYU’s offense heading into 2026.
2. Defensive Back– Tre “Therrian” Alexander
Tre is a 6’2” 165-lb three-star recruit from Ellenwood, Georgia, with legit track speed (11.1 seconds in the 100m dash as a junior) and rare length for a corner. Unlike some others on this list, Tre enrolled early in January of 2024 and already has one season under his belt with the Cougars. He saw 120 snaps on defense and special teams across 11 games as a true freshman last season. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill has raved about Tre Alexander’s potential, even saying, “I believe Tre has the chance to be one of the best I’ve ever coached.”
2025 Projection:
Expect Tre to push for a starting role, especially in nickel, dime, or man-heavy packages. His size and speed combo, along with expected offseason strength and weight gains, make him one of the highest upside players in a BYU secondary that is looking to build on its NCAA-leading 22 interceptions from last season.
3. Wide Receiver– LaMason Waller III
Coming from Hesperia, CA, Waller enters a talented receiver room looking to earn his way onto the field as a true freshman. At 6’2” 178 lbs, Waller is a polished route-runner with good size, speed, and big-play potential. He was one of the most highly recruited players in recent BYU history with offers from Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, Utah, and Texas A&M.
2025 Projection:
Even though the receiver room is really deep and full of talent, the departure of Darius Lassiter and Keelan Marion opens opportunities for Waller to earn some early reps. Expect him to contribute on special teams and potentially in blowout games early in the year. If any key injuries happen in the receiver room this year, I expect Waller to be one of the guys who emerges to fill the vacancy. The reps he will likely get in fall camp with Bear Bachmeier could also lay the foundation for a really special duo in the future.
4. Edge Rusher– Hunter Clegg
Clegg is a 6’4”, 235-lb edge rusher and former 4-star recruit out of American Fork High School. After serving a mission in the Armenia/Georgia mission, Clegg flipped his commitment from Utah to BYU. Clegg described his decision by saying: “BYU isn’t the same as when I left for my mission… BYU football is ready to put in as much work as it takes to become the best team possible and compete.”
2025 Projection:
Clegg is one of the most talented edge prospects BYU has landed in years. But as BYU fans know, returning from a mission often requires time to get back in physical condition to endure a full season of college football. Expect Clegg to redshirt in 2025 but still play in up to four games to maintain his redshirt year. He’ll likely see action in blowouts and special packages as he rebuilds his strength and conditioning.
5. Cornerback– Jonathan Kabeya
Kabeya is a 5’10” 170-lb sophomore corner and former 3-star recruit from Texas. Known for his speed and footwork, Kabeya chose BYU over offers from Texas Tech, Arizona State, Indiana, and Tulane.
He saw game action in three games as a true freshman, logging four total tackles and one pass breakup. Though limited in-game, Kabeya impressed coaches and teammates during practices. Starting safety Tanner Wall highlighted his “great feet” and “extreme athleticism” as reasons he expects him to be a big-time contributor in the future.
2025 Projection:
With the departures of Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins, BYU’s cornerback room is wide open, and Kabeya is already making his case. He enters fall camp as a top contender for the starting nickel corner spot. His athleticism, technique, and potential remind me of recently, Jakob Robinson. Don’t be surprised if Kabeya has a breakout year in the secondary this season and establishes himself as a key piece in BYU’s defensive future.
The Time Is Now
The current wave of underclassmen and newcomers isn’t just BYU’s future; it’s a key part of the present. From Bear Bachmeier’s arm talent and mobility to Tre Alexander’s size and speed, Waller’s explosiveness to Clegg’s raw edge potential and Kabeya’s contributions in the secondary, this group is full of long-term potential.
With Kalani Sitake’s culture, Aaron Roderick’s offensive firepower, and Jay Hill’s aggressive defense, BYU is better positioned to climb the Big 12 ranks and compete on a national scale than they have been at any point since 1984. The rest of the conference and the country might not know it yet, but as Coach Sitake loves to say: “They’re about to find out.”
