What Caught My Attention During BYU’s First Padded Spring Practice

PROVO, Utah – BYU football spring practice went indoors for the first time since camp opened.

Potential rain was in the forecast, so the Cougars were indoors for the first practice with pads on.

Here are some observations from Monday’s practice that caught my attention.

McCae Hillstead is trending up

The backup quarterback spot is one of the big storylines during spring practices this month. Who will be the QB2, former Utah State transfer McCae Hillstead of Western Michigan transfer Treyson Bourguet?

Hillstead looked to be the better of the two on Monday during media observation.

The 5-foot-10, 195-pound signal-caller, now sporting No. 3 instead of No. 15, had an excellent pass on the run to his right to wide receiver Koa Eldredge near the sideline.

Hillstead also took a shot down the field to former Cal transfer Marquis Taliulu that was a well-thrown ball, but redshirt sophomore cornerback Marcus McKenzie was there to break it up.

Later in the team portion of the media observation, Hillstead connected with Taliulu for a first-down completion.

Hillstead did have one questionable throw that was intended for freshman LaMason Waller. The pass was thrown into double coverage and nearly picked off by Siale Esera. Aside from that one throw, it was a strong showing from the former Aggie QB.

Treyson Bourguet update

Along with Hillstead, former Western Michigan transfer Treyson Bourguet is competing for the backup quarterback role. Bourguet had a completion to Weston Covey for a big gain.

On the flip side, Bourguet had an inaccurate pass to the flat, which sailed out of bounds.

Good decision-making from Jake Retzlaff

Senior quarterback Jake Retzlaff had an impressive competition to tight end Carsen Ryan. Retzlaff, who is entering his first full offseason as BYU’s clear-cut starter, stayed patient in the pocket, moved up and connected with the former Utah tight end for a positive gain.

@mitchharper Breaking down the first day of pads at #BYU spring football practice. B-roll footage courtesy of BYU Athletics. #byufootball ♬ original sound – Mitch Harper

Retzlaff showed off his arm strength on a deep ball that was on the money to redshirt sophomore Jojo Phillips, but the former Sierra Canyon High star couldn’t come up with the catch.

On a positive note for Phillips, he had a diving catch on a pass from Retzlaff near the first down marker earlier in the team portion, with cornerback Mory Bamba defending him.

Freshman BYU football running back 

Former Weber High star Logan Payne is competing as a running back at BYU after serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colombia.

Payne, the son of former BYU great Matt Payne, is donning his father’s No. 38 out of the backfield for the Cougars.

The former Weber standout, who rushed for over 1,300 yards in his senior year in 2021, showed off his speed on his handful of touches during the media observation.

Payne had one run that was a gain of seven or eight yards where he pinballed off of defenders up the field to get near the first down marker.

The 2025 BYU football team has a strong running back unit led by LJ Martin, followed by Sione Moa, Enoch Nawahine, Pokai Haunga, and Jovesa Damuni. But Payne gave some glimpses of his speed and physicality in his touches.

Trenches Tidbits

There were some good battles in the trenches on Monday. BYU’s first-team offensive line featured Bruce Mitchell at center, Isaiah Jatta at left tackle, and Austin Leausa at right tackle. Southern Utah transfer Kyle Sfarcioc and Sonny Makasini handled the guard spots.

On the defensive line, BYU’s starting defensive ends were Logan Lutui and Orion Maile-Kaufusi. Then, in the interior were Keanu Tanuvasa and John Taumoepeau.

Maile-Kaufusi is a former Oregon State signee who ended up at BYU after serving a mission for the Church. He redshirted last year after appearing in four games.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

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