Evan Johnson Ignites BYU In Win Over East Carolina
Sep 21, 2025, 2:59 AM | Updated: Sep 22, 2025, 11:46 am
GREENVILLE, N.C. – BYU cornerback Evan Johnson breathed life into the Cougars on their way to a big road victory over the East Carolina Pirates.
On Saturday, September 20, the Pirates hosted the Cougars at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
The Greenville, North Carolina, contest was BYU’s first test away from LaVell Edwards Stadium this season. After a slow start, the Cougars were in need of a spark—and Johnson, more commonly known by teammates as “Shmev,” rose to the occasion.
First Interception Turns The Tide
BYU owned a narrow 6-3 lead when the Pirates were on the move late in the first half. ECU quarterback Katin Houser had his offense in scoring territory, and BYU’s defense was on its heels.
With 4:34 left in the second quarter, Johnson picked off Houser at the goal line and returned it 11 yards. The turnover was Johnson’s first of the season, and it couldn’t have come at a better moment for the Cougars.
“I just knew when I got that chance, I was gonna go make that play,” Johnson said following the victory.
HUGE STOP BY THE COUGS!!
📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/R1g36tydyw
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) September 21, 2025
Although BYU was unable to convert the interception into points, the threat of an East Carolina score was erased. The Cougars were forced to punt on the subsequent possession, but the Pirates failed to execute. A fumble on the play pushed ECU back to its own one-yard line before regaining possession.
Pick-Six from Evan Johnson Sparks Momentum
On the next snap, Johnson read Houser’s eyes, broke on the ball, picked it off, and took it to the house for BYU’s first touchdown of the evening. Johnson’s pick-six injected life into the BYU sideline and extended the Cougars’ lead to 13-3 with under a minute to play before halftime. After the game, Johnson credited BYU’s game preparation for the pick-six as something they saw on film from East Carolina.
PICK SIX‼️
Evan Johnson with the interception x2. #Big12FB | 📺 ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/tQnFzhwQEs— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 21, 2025
In the second half, BYU’s offense found some rhythm and the Cougar offense put three touchdowns on the scoreboard before coasting to victory.
Johnson entered the night with two career interceptions. He ended the contest having doubled that total while also adding his first career touchdown. Johnson’s final stat line included six tackles and a pass breakup as well.
Evan Johnson’s Preparation Pays Off
Four days before facing East Carolina, I spoke with Johnson after a BYU practice. The junior cornerback described turnovers as “plays that you’re not really supposed to make, but that you’re supposed to make.” On Saturday night, Johnson capitalized on his opportunities and delivered the plays BYU desperately needed. Those moments sparked the Cougars and propelled them to a 34-13 win over the Pirates.
Earlier this week, Evan “Smhev” Johnson talked to me about BYU’s defense forcing turnovers or as he called them “plays that you’re not really supposed to make, but that you’re supposed to make.”
Tonight, the veteran cornerback has two interceptions, including a pick-six. pic.twitter.com/tls7rNTugx
— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) September 21, 2025
Defensive Turnover Trend
BYU now has a turnover margin of +5 on the season. Four of the Cougars’ forced turnovers in three games have been interceptions.
What’s Next For BYU football
With the win, BYU improved to 3-0 for the third consecutive season. Up next for the Cougars is a rematch of last year’s Alamo Bowl. BYU heads to Boulder to open its Big 12 slate against the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday, September 27. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. (MT) on ESPN and KSL NewsRadio.
Kyle Ireland is a Co-Host on Cougar Sports Saturday on KSL NewsRadio (Saturday, Noon-3 p.m.) covering BYU athletics.
