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BYU sophomore quarterback Baylor Romney throws a pass during the Independence Bowl against UAB at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. (Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo)

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BYU sophomore quarterback Baylor Romney runs the ball during the game against South Florida at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2021. (Harold Mitchell, Special to the Daily Herald)

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BYU senior linebacker Isaiah Kaufusi (right) talks to sophomore quarterback Baylor Romney after the 28-14 Cougar win over San Diego State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020.

BYU photo

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BYU freshman quarterback Baylor Romney talks to reporters after the 42-14 Cougar win at Utah State on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2019.

BYU Photo

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BYU's Baylor Romney (16) throws a ball deep down the field during the first half of a football game against Boise State at LaVell Edwards Stadium, in Provo, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.

BYU photo

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The evolution of the BYU football team continued on the final day of 2021 with an announcement that many expected earlier, perhaps even before the season.

BYU sophomore quarterback Baylor Romney had some impressive performances during his time in Provo and many Cougar fans thought he would be the starter this season.

When sophomore Jaren Hall won the job, some expected Romney to announce his intention to leave via the transfer portal.

Instead, Romney stayed ready and played in five games during the year, leading BYU to wins over South Florida and Utah State as well as coming up just short against UAB in the Independence Bowl.

Now that the season is over, however, Romney decided it is time to move on.

“The past four years have been filled with ups and downs but I am thankful for the memories I have made and the person I have become while playing football at BYU,” Romney tweeted from his @baylorromney Twitter account on Friday night. “My teammates have become my brothers and I’ll miss them the most. I am thankful for the lifelong relationships I have been able to make. Thank you to all my coaches, family, and friends for your love and support!

“I’m unsure what’s next but it’s time for me to move on and I’m excited for the next challenge.”

He titled the Twitter message: “@BYUfootball thank you.”

Romney finished his career in Provo playing in 16 total games, going 134 for 200 passing for 1,787 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had 41 rushing attempts for 76 yards.

His most memorable performance came in his first start in 2019.

After he hadn’t been able to lead the Cougars to victory when he came on in relief of Hall at South Florida (a game BYU lost 27-23), the expectations weren’t too high as he led the Cougars onto the field at LaVell Edwards Stadium against undefeated Boise State, who was ranked No. 14 in the country at that point.

Romney didn’t play like an inexperienced freshman but like a veteran, guiding BYU to a 28-10 lead with a pair of TD passes.

The Cougars eventually held on to knock off the Broncos, 28-25, to get the big upset.

Romney later led BYU to a win over Liberty (31-24) in 2019, but then had limited opportunities in 2020 as Zach Wilson played the majority of the snaps.

When Wilson left for the NFL, Romney competed with Hall to take the helm and then stepped in when Hall was hurt.

Romney suffered a concussion right before halftime of the Cougar win at Utah State and played sparingly in the blowout win over Idaho State before getting the nod to face the Blazers in the final game of the season.

BYU running backs coach Harvey Unga tweeted his support from his @unga45 Twitter account.

“Love you Baylor!!” Unga tweeted. “Thank you doesn’t do enough justice for the amazing things you’ve done for this program and university! I’m gonna miss seein’ you around but I know great things are ahead for you & I’m excited for ya.”

Romney didn’t clarify whether he would be looking to transfer or if he had decided to finish his college football career.

Some took Romney’s decision as an indication that his brother, wide receiver Gunner Romney, had decided to leave for the NFL draft but nothing has been confirmed on that to this point.

BYU did get the news that defensive lineman Earl Tuioti-Mariner is planning on returning for 2022.

Tuioti-Mariner is a fifth-year junior but announced on his @earltuiotimariner Instagram account that he was “on my way to run it back with the boys” and “Grateful to my coaches for the opportunity and excited to play alongside my teammates/best friends one more time. #2022 #gocougs”

Tuioti-Mariner has been limited by injuries throughout his career but has played nine games, tallying nine tackles with one tackle for a loss.

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