A little perspective on the BYU QB situation moving forward the next few years.

Already playing QB for BYU

I have faith in any of BYU's current backups. I like Gerry Bohanon, Treyson Bourguet, McCae Hillstead, or Noah Lugo (who played with LaMason Waller growing up). I'd even throw in Cole Hagen.

Committed

Enoch Watson - Athletic QB with decent size

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C3QX_eYoZ0&ab_channel=BYUCougars

Carson Suesue - I want him to play QB. There's something special about him. But, I think the defense wants to steal him. Great athlete. NFL size. He's open to changing positions, but I hopes he gets a shot at QB.

https://www.hudl.com/video/2/31964/6528c0a2ab92850bd4085b61

https://www.hudl.com/video/1/57a0cd00a006263358c2e981/65286dd60c5445030c3863d0

Nolan Keeney - Looks like he has the tools to be a great QB. Live arm, good feet, really good body control. Like Carson, has the size to play the position comfortably at the D-1 level. I see plenty in his game that makes me think he can be elite, especially since ARod is a proven QB developer.

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9689628/65655076ab9286098c66d3c3

Current offers from BYU - 2025

https://247sports.com/college/byu/season/2025-football/offers/?PositionGroup=1

https://247sports.com/college/byu/season/2026-football/offers/?PositionGroup=1

Okay, here's the part no one cares about - my opinion - so stop reading right now.

It's not super clear why A Rod can't land a Casuga or Lyons (if reports are to be believed - I wait for news until it is official. There have been enough big-time signing surprises - good and bad - to know it ain't over 'til it's over. And in BYU's case, it still isn't over after it's over - hello, Taysom Hill et al.). But, recruiting is so completely different now. NIL is where it's at. It's quite possible BYU isn't matching money for a Casuga or Lyons the way they are for basketball. I don't know that. But if they are, the word isn't really leaking out that they are spending at that rate. So, if they're not "all-in" yet on NIL, how much criticism of ARod is valid if he's being handcuffed by NIL inadequacies?

Aside from NIL, with recruiting, you win some, you lose some. You whiff on some, you hit HRs with others. Overall, the only thing that matters is the product on the field. I can't tell you if BYU should have had better QB play since ARod took over, but I can say I'm quite happy with the production from the position going all the way back to ARods first season at BYU with the possible exception of last year, but was that due to injury or inadequate evaluation? Or should Slovis have been nothing more than a backup QB option in the first place? I don't know the answer, but there does seem to be some validity in questioning the status quo.

The truth is, BYU has had outstanding QB playing from Zach Wilson and Jaren Hall. 2021 was maybe the third-best season in BYU history. 2020 was unusual, but it was also very fun. And, it looks like the pipeline has great talent coming in. I feel good about the future. And if Retzlaff keeps performing at this level, ARod should have no problem getting in most doors to give the BYU pitch.