Football
BYU Football Alumni Game Returns with New Captains in 2025
2025-03-07

In a thrilling continuation of tradition, Brigham Young University (BYU) football is set to host its annual alumni game for the fourth consecutive year. The event will take place at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday, March 28, at 6 p.m. MST. This year marks the return to the historic stadium after a brief hiatus due to field renovations. Admission remains free for fans, ensuring an inclusive experience for all supporters.

The Excitement Builds as BYU Announces New Captains for Annual Event

With just three weeks until kickoff, BYU football has unveiled its captains for this year's alumni game. For the first time, the university has selected non-quarterbacks to lead the teams. Former wide receivers Austin Collie and Reno Mahe will serve as captains, marking a significant shift from previous years when quarterbacks like Ty Detmer and Max Hall held these roles.

Collie and Mahe are two of BYU's most celebrated players, boasting impressive records during their collegiate careers. Collie holds the program record for most receiving yards in a single season, with an outstanding 1,538 yards in 2008. Over his career, he accumulated 3,255 receiving yards, placing him second all-time. Mahe, who recorded 1,211 receiving yards in 2001, ranks fourth in program history and finished his college career with 2,163 total receiving yards.

Both players went on to successful NFL careers. Collie caught passes from legendary quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, while Mahe excelled as a return specialist for the Philadelphia Eagles under head coach Andy Reid.

The history of BYU's alumni games is filled with memorable moments. In the inaugural event in 2022, Max Hall's hail-mary touchdown pass secured a dramatic victory for Team Navy. Subsequent years have seen equally exciting finishes, including an interception by Spencer White that sealed another win for Team Navy. Last year, an unexpected appearance by NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young added an extra layer of excitement to the game.

This year promises more thrilling action as fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between Team Collie and Team Mahe. With a rich history of close finishes and star-studded performances, the 2025 alumni game is sure to be a highlight of the spring season.

From a journalist's perspective, the selection of Collie and Mahe as captains reflects a broader trend of recognizing diverse contributions to the sport. By choosing non-quarterbacks, BYU highlights the importance of every position on the field. This decision not only honors the achievements of these former players but also sets a positive example for current athletes. It demonstrates that leadership can come from any part of the team, reinforcing the value of teamwork and versatility in football.

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