With the 2024 college football season coming to a close, the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars are experiencing significant turnover as several players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal seeking new opportunities. Among the notable departures, linebacker Aisea Moa's recent commitment to Michigan State University has caught attention, marking him as the first former BYU player to join a Power 5 program this transfer season.
Moa shared his excitement about the move to Michigan State after visiting East Lansing with his family. “I absolutely loved it,” he told Spartans Illustrated, emphasizing the warm welcome from the coaching staff and the community. His transition to the Spartans provides him with two years of eligibility as he is expected to play as an inside linebacker, filling what Michigan State hopes will be a key defensive role.
Aisea Moa's transfer is part of a broader mass exodus from BYU, which saw 16 players enter the transfer portal following the 2024 season. Out of these, seven have already announced their new destinations. Players such as Kody Epps and Jackson Bowers have also committed to new programs, reflecting the Cougars' changing roster dynamics. Epps, who faced injury setbacks during the last season, is headed to Western Kentucky, whereas Bowers, once a highly-rated four-star recruit, has set his path to Oregon State.
Alongside these transitions, several more players from BYU are weighing their options. Running back Miles Davis and offensive lineman Jake Eichorn announced their commitments to Utah State, showcasing the state's local programs as attractive landing spots for departing Cougars. Davis recorded 468 rushing yards during his time at BYU, providing significant experience, which Utah State hopes to capitalize on.
Additional transfers include true freshman defensive tackle Dallin Johnson and walk-on wide receiver Prince Zombo, both committing to Utah Tech. For Johnson, this move follows just one season with the Cougars, highlighting the drive among players to find the best fit for their future. Meanwhile, Zombo’s promotion to the transfer portal is indicative of the fierce competition within BYU’s receiving corps.
While these commitments signify shifts for the players involved, they also raise questions about the overall impact on the BYU football program. Safety Crew Wakley, for example, is regarded as one of the most impactful players exiting the program. Reports have surfaced indicating he has garnered interest from several schools, including offers from notable programs such as Iowa State and Purdue. Maintaining key defensive talents like Wakley will be integral for BYU as they build their roster for the upcoming season.
The influx of players entering the transfer portal reflects significant changes and challenges facing the BYU football program. Besides those who have already committed, players like safety Sione Moa and defensive tackle David Latu are still evaluating their paths forward. Sione Moa, brother of Aisea Moa, has been reported to have offers including one from UNLV. Seeing siblings on different teams could add another layer of intrigue to their transitions.
Freshman quarterback Noah Lugo and defensive lineman Dallin Havea, among others, are also exploring options, contributing to the narrative of uncertainty surrounding BYU’s football future. While Lugo has offered interest from Rice and UTEP, Havea's future remains undetermined, shining light on how new head coach Jonathan Smith addresses recruitment in the aftermath of these departures.
The movements within and outside of the program are not just statistics; they represent the personal ambitions and aspirations of young athletes investing their future. For some, it's about preserving their college eligibility and enhancing their playing experience, thum calling for program adaptiveness to improve performance and retain player loyalty.
Overall, the transfer portal has reshaped not only the immediate roster for BYU but also the broader college football recruiting environment. With transfers becoming more commonplace, schools must adjust their strategies to attract talent and cultivate successful programs. The Cougars will need to focus on revitalizing their lineup and ensuring steady development for incoming recruits and existing players alike as they aim for competitiveness in the forthcoming season.
Through all these transitions, the stories of each player resonate, particularly as they adapt to new surroundings and seek to make their mark on new teams. The ability of BYU to address this level of attrition will be key as they position themselves for success moving forward.