Take Tanner Wall was just one, but as certainly one of the more prominent examples.

The 6-foot-1, 205 pound safety from Arlington, Virginia opted out of several scholarship offers out of high school to walk on at BYU. An enormous Cougar fan throughout his life, Wall had trouble making a spot for himself at receiver before transitioning to safety where his contributions have been tremendous.

BYU coaches have been effusive in their praise for Wall this season, and deservedly so when considering his big plays made on the season and steady presence as the backend general of the Cougar defense. For Wall, he’s been grateful for the opportunities he’s had this season and for every moment he’s had since arriving in Provo back in 2021.

“I just want to make the most of every snap and appreciate every moment that I get to wear the jersey to have the Y on the front and my name on the back,” Wall said when asked how he’s approaching his final game played at LaVell Edwards Stadium. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given and the opportunities I’ve earned through my hard work and sacrifice…It’s definitely (going to be) a bittersweet moment, but I’m just super excited to play at LaVell this Saturday.”

Just in front of Wall in BYU’s defensive alignment will be linebacker Jack Kelly for the final time at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday. Widely recognized as the Cougar defense’s primary playmaker this season, Kelly leads the team in both sacks and tackles-for-loss this season, exactly two years after transferring from Weber State as a redshirt junior.

Along the defensive front will be John Taumoepeau, who joined BYU’s program just prior to the 2024 season after playing two seasons at Snow. A contributor last season, Taumoepeau has upped his overall production notably this season as one of BYU’s lynch-pins on the defensive interior.

On the edge is senior Logan Lutui, who has risen to the occasion this season as the unquestioned leader of his position group. Lutui arrived at BYU just prior to the 2022 after playing for Weber State and has since improved his play significantly to the point where he led the entire team in tackles for most of this current season.

“It’s pretty surreal to be here at BYU as a Top 10 team in the nation and as a Big 12 Conference contender,” Lutui said. “All those recognitions are pretty crazy to see where we’re at here. I wouldn’t be able to say that’s what I envisioned during my freshman year at Weber State, but like I said, I’m grateful to my Heavenly Father for what he’s blessed me with…So it’s pretty surreal, but I’m grateful that I’m here.”

On the offensive side of the football the most prominent name is receiver Chase Roberts, who unfortunately likely won’t be able to perform at LaVell Edwards Stadium for a final time this Saturday due to a hamstring injury which forced him out of last week’s win over Cincinnati early. Roberts’ contributions have been well-noted since arriving at BYU in 2021 after prepping at American Fork High School in accumulating 2,497 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns on his 160 total receptions.

Along the offensive front are seniors like Weylin Lapuaho, who has started three straight seasons since transferring from Utah State after his freshman year along with Austin Leausa, who seized on his opportunity to play for his dream school after spending his first two seasons for Southern Utah.

“BYU has definitely been everything that I could have dreamt of,” Leausa said. “I’ve always wanted to be at BYU since I was just a little kid. I grew up going to the games, so being here has been a surreal experience, for not only me, but for my wife and my two daughters…I’ve enjoyed every moment that I’ve been here.”