And that’s a big thing.

Having able and proven play-makers surrounding what will be a brand new starting quarterback is a big thing, and can alleviate a lot of the growing pains that said quarterback will in doubt experience during the coming months.

But just as is the case with the defense, fall practice has served as a tool to develop and then find those who can fill out a two-deep roster while adding quality depth should the Cougars incur the inevitable rigors and attrition of the 12-game football season. It’s not all about the headliners for both depth reasons this season and in order for coaches to identify key personnel for future years.

Here’s some of the players that have caught notice during the fall practice session based on open media observations and comments from BYU coaches during interviews

Quarterback

Unless you’ve completely ignored BYU media reports this August then you already know that BYU’s quarterback battle was recently whittled down to two candidates; freshman Bear Bachmeier and sophomore McCae Hillstead. It’s possible that one of the two will be announced as BYU’s starter as early as Tuesday, and we’ll be certain to apprise you of that develop when it occurs.

A name a lot of Cougar fans might not be aware of, however, is freshman Emerson Geilman, who has seen a good amount of reps during practice sessions. Geilman is a 6-foot-4, 207 pound first-year freshman who signed with BYU on the heels of leading his Bountiful Braves to a state championship last season. He’s a true dual-threat option that has plans to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the 2025 season.

What’s notable is that Geilman has been seeing at least some reps during open practice sessions, which is somewhat unusual given the need to accelerate game time preparation between Bachmeier and Hillstead, and even Treyson Bourguet, who is now the assumed third-in-line. Coaches like Geilman’s ability, and he’ll play a key role this season in heading the scout team and otherwise aiming leaving a good framework for coaches to work with upon completion of his mission.

Running back

BYU needs quality depth and running back, and the bad news is that there haven’t been many notable names that have stepped forward. Granted that receiving much information of the development at running back is somewhat difficult, given running back Coach Harvey Unga’s refusal to do interviews, but some names have stood out alongside both Martin and Sione Moa, who are assumed to provide the major 1-2 punch in the backfield for the offense.

Two players that have stood out are Enoch Nawahine (5-10, 205 Sr.) and Jovesa Damuni (6-0, 190 Fr.) during most open practice sessions. In an effort to provide more depth at the position, coaches have moved freshman Logan Payne (5-10, 215) and junior Preston Rex (6-1, 195 Jr.) over from the defense with both providing some good moments during team reps.

Receivers

A couple of names that are racing up the depth chart and should be players who see ample time in BYU’s rotation are sophomore Cody Hagen (6-0, 185) and Stanford transfer Tiger Bachmeier (6-1, 190 Jr.) Both players asserting themselves shouldn’t be a surprise, considering their respective talents and what they’ve shown previously, with Tiger standing out for the Cardinal and Hagen doing likewise for BYU during the 2024 fall practice session before having his season cut short due to injury.

At tight end it’s hard to not notice New Mexico transfer Keayan Nead (6-5, 265) during most practices. Nead presents an enormous frame that could work to complement Utah transfer Carsen Ryan, who has been a standout since he arrived at BYU, throughout the coming season.

Offensive line

Establishing depth at offensive line is an imperative any season and BYU’s offensive line looks to be in relatively good shape this season. Among those who have provided good fall practices are freshman tackle Andrew Williams (6-8, 295) and Southern Utah transfer Kyle Sfarcioc (6-4, 310 Jr.) with Williams looking apt to be among the first called on to fill in at tackle and Sfarcioc at any of the three interior positions, including at center.

Overall the offense should provide a quality framework around whoever ends up taking primary reps under center this season with several players stepping forward during the fall practice session.