Keanu Tanuvasa Prepares For First BYU-Utah Rivalry Game In Blue
Oct 13, 2025, 11:23 PM
PROVO, Utah – Starting all the way back in 1896 or 1922, depending on which school’s record books you turn to, the dramatic, heart-pulling rivalry between the University of Utah and Brigham Young University has become one of college football’s fiercest.
The BYU-Utah rivalry is more than just another game; it’s a display of emotion, loyalty, and deep-rooted history.
BYU vs. Utah: Historic rivalry
This year’s battle takes place on Saturday, October 18, at 6 p.m. (FOX, KSL NewsRadio) inside LaVell Edwards Stadium, where two of Utah’s football powerhouses will face off once again under the lights.
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Last season, BYU pulled off a nail-biting 22–21 victory over the Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium, clinching the win with a last-second field goal. But in that game, a particular Ute defender stood out, Keanu Tanuvasa, who used to be a disruptive force on Utah’s defensive line and who constantly pressured BYU’s offense.
Now, just one year later, Tanuvasa will suit up in royal blue, preparing to face the very teammates he once went to battle with.
Keanu Tanuvasa gets a chance to play against his brothers
After three seasons with Utah, Tanuvasa made the decision to transfer south to Provo, joining BYU’s defense in time to experience the rivalry from the opposite side. It’s a full-circle moment for one that carries both emotion and meaning.
“The Utah game is exciting,” Tanuvasa said. “I’m excited to play some of my brothers, who I played with up there for the last three years. But they deserve my best, and they’ll get that when it’s their turn.”
For many players and fans, the BYU-Utah rivalry is deeply personal. But for Tanuvasa, this year represents more than just a rivalry; it’s a showcase of his growth and development as a player and a person.
Since arriving in Provo, Tanuvasa has already made an immediate impact on BYU’s defensive front. His blend of power, technique, and experience has helped anchor a unit that’s been key to the Cougars’ undefeated 6–0 record so far this season.
Tanuvasa’s mindset when preparing for big games like this reflects his maturity and precision. With the physical toll of the season, he understands the importance of being intentional in every aspect of preparation.
“Yeah, I think what’s absolutely critical is being precise in the reps that we get,” he said. “As we recognize, reps are being tailored off because our bodies are taking a greater toll throughout the season. So we need to be precise with the reps we do have, and the most efficient way is watching film prior to practice, understanding what the scheme looks like, and what we want to do. So when we’re on the field, we’re hitting it as if it were game time.”
Even with all the intensity surrounding the rivalry game, Tanuvasa keeps his focus grounded in what drives him most.
“The boys. I think that’s a huge thing … Being here with the boys is huge. The coaches, the environment. It’s a lot of joy playing the sport. It’s a kid’s game, so we take a lot of pride in having fun while we do it.”
This year’s matchup features Utah, coming off a dominant 42–10 win over Arizona State, while BYU will enter after a double-overtime thriller and a 33–27 victory following a rain delay that tested their endurance and resilience.
Both teams are fired up, have momentum, are in the thick of the Big 12 Championship race, and most importantly, are fighting for state bragging rights.
For Tanuvasa, though, this game means even more. It’s not only about rivalry, it’s about personal growth and development. Showing both of his brothers on each side of the line of scrimmage, his best efforts.
No. 15 BYU vs. No. 23 Utah
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Kickoff: 6 p.m. (MDT)
TV: FOX
Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) — Extended pregame begins live at Noon on gameday.
Jasmine Poppinga is a BYU Football Intern during the 2025 season for KSL NewsRadio and KSL Sports. Poppinga contributes to ESPN+ broadcasts for BYU women’s sports. Follow her on Instagram: @jasminepoppinga.
