The Utah Utes and BYU Cougars football programs are navigating major roster reconstructions following significant activity in the transfer portal, according to recent team data. While the Utes have faced a much larger exodus of players with a net roster decrease of 25, the Cougars have managed a more contained transition with a net loss of 12 players.
Utah Utes Roster Turnover Details
The Utah Utes football program has experienced a high volume of player movement, recording 13 incoming transfers and 38 outgoing transfers. This activity has resulted in a transfer rank of 29th for the program, supported by an average transfer rating of 87.25 and a top rating of 96.00. The Utes' roster changes include several high-profile additions such as edge rusher Paul Fitzgerald from Thunder Ridge in Idaho Falls, who entered with an 88.55 rating, and wide receiver Damien Alford, arriving with an 84.28 rating.
Among the notable commitments to the Utes roster are wide receiver Dorian Singer from Pinnacle in Phoenix, Arizona, and edge rusher Kanious Vaughn from San Clemente, California. The program also secured the enrollment of tight end Carsen Ryan from American Fork, Utah, and edge rusher John Henry Daley, a former Lone Peak player from American Fork, who entered with a 95.93 rating and an NIL valuation of $2 million. Other additions include safety Alaka'i Gilman from Honolulu, Hawaii, and wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons from Hayward, however, California.
BYU Cougars Transfer Trends
In contrast to the high-volume movement in Salt Lake City, the BYU Cougars football program has seen a more stabilized roster shift. The Cougars recorded 12 incoming transfers against 24 outgoing transfers, resulting in a net roster change of -12. The program currently holds a transfer rank of 48th, with an average transfer rating of 84.50 and a top rating of 88.00.
The Cougars' incoming class includes several notable players from across the country, such as offensive tackle Isaiah Jatta from San Diego, California, and interior offensive lineman Austin Leausa from West Jordan, Utah. The quarterback room saw additions from Treyson Bourguet of Salpointe Catholic in Tucson, Arizona, and Gerry Bohanon from Earle, Arkansas. Additionally, linebacker Jack Kelly joined the program from Salt Lake City, while punter Sam Vander Haar arrived via ProKick Australia.
Commitment Status and Withdrawals
The transfer portal activity for both programs shows a mix of completed enrollments and withdrawn commitments. For the Utah Utes, while several players like Sam Huard from Bellevue, Washington, have enrolled, others such as kicker Elliot Janish from Midwest City, Oklahoma, have withdrawn from the program. The Utes also saw wide receiver Kenan Johnson join from Lake Minneola, Florida, and running back Anthony Woods arrive from Palmdale, California.
For BYU, the roster movement includes the enrollment of linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother from Norcross, Georgia, and defensive back Marque Collins from Sacramento, California. However, the Cougars also faced setbacks in the portal, as Zion Allen from Manteca, California, and wide receiver Marquis Montgomery from Kapolei, Hawaii, both withdrew from the program following their initial transfer status.
Final Roster Comparison
As both programs prepare for upcoming seasons, the disparity in roster churn remains a defining characteristic of their respective builds. The Utes' much larger number of outgoing players—38 compared to BYU's 24—highlights a more aggressive period of transition for the Salt Lake City-based program as they attempt to maintain their high transfer rating and competitive standing.
