Uncovering BYU's Transfer Recruiting Gems

Offensive Line Transfers

Going into the transfer cycle, offensive line was one of BYU's most obvious roster needs. Multiple offensive linemen have already received offers from the Cougars, and they are actively pursuing others who are keeping their recruitments quiet. Michigan transfer Andrew Gentry is a player to watch. He was a BYU target out of high school but has turned down opportunities to play in Provo twice. With two years of eligibility remaining and having emerged as a starter for Michigan in 2024, he is one of the top tackles available. If BYU misses on Gentry, they are also looking at prospects like Akron transfer Jayvin James and Charlotte transfer Kendall Stanley.

Another somewhat surprising offer went to SUU transfer Kyle Sfarcioc. He is a multi-year starter at SUU with one year of eligibility left. As an interior offensive lineman, this offer is a bit unexpected as BYU's primary need is at the tackle spot.

Defensive Line Transfers

This week is crucial for campus visits. BYU has already hosted Washington transfer Lance Holtzclaw, a reserve defensive end who has shown potential as a pass rusher. After visiting BYU, he went on to visit Boise State. Utah defensive end transfer Kaeo Akana is on an official visit this weekend. He was a four-star recruit in 2022 and the top-rated prospect from Hawaii, with two years of eligibility remaining.

What's Up PROVO!! @kaeo03 pic.twitter.com/txsFN1r4Ni— Kip Akana (@KipAkana) December 13, 2024

Tight End Transfers

BYU is also expected to host Utah tight end transfer Carsen Ryan this weekend. He could fill the void at tight end that the team is looking to address. With the ability to be effective as a blocker and a pass-catcher, he would likely slide into the starting lineup for his final season of eligibility.

Cornerback Transfers

Utah transfer Cameron Calhoun has been a priority target since entering the portal. As a cornerback, he fits a position of need and could elevate BYU's secondary. Texas transfer Tausili Akana has also emerged as a target. He is a relative of the visiting Kaeo Akana and was a top recruit in Utah before signing with Texas. Adding a player of his caliber would boost the BYU pass rush.

Wide Receiver Transfers

Tre Spivey, a Kansas State transfer, appears to be the top target at wide receiver right now. He was in the rotation as a true freshman at Kansas State and has offers from other schools like Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Arizona, Iowa State, Coastal Carolina, and Nevada. Things can change quickly in transfer portal recruiting.

Players with BYU Connections

There are several players with BYU connections to keep an eye on. Malachi Riley, an Arizona transfer and former four-star recruit, was down to Arizona and BYU in his original recruitment. If BYU offers him, they have a good chance of landing him given his past interest. Isaac Wilson, the younger brother of former BYU star Zach Wilson, has arm talent and mobility to be a good college quarterback. He would need to sit a year behind Jake Retzlaff and have at least two years of eligibility remaining.

Simote Pepa, a Utah transfer, was a BYU target out of high school and is worth paying attention to. He is more of a reserve defensive lineman, and BYU may look at bigger names like former Arizona starter Ta’ita’i Uiagalelei or Fresno State starter Gavriel Lightfoot. Teague Andersen, a Utah State transfer with connections to BYU, is also a prospect to consider as the team needs more experience along the offensive line.