Five BYU Football Underclassmen Poised For Bigger Impacts In 2025

PROVO, Utah – In any given BYU football season, there’s always a question of “who’s next?”

Every year, some players emerge who become key contributors for a given BYU squad. Who are those guys in 2025?

Some underclassmen in BYU’s program seem ready for bigger impacts in 2025. An underclassman is typically classified as a freshman or sophomore player.

Here are the five underclassmen that we believe are ready to take that jump this fall.

Tausili Akana, EDGE

Texas transfer, Redshirt-Sophomore

One of the positive developments at the Outside Edge spot in BYU’s defensive line in spring practices was the emergence of Texas Longhorns transfer Tausili Akana.

The former four-star recruit out of Skyridge High School seldom played in his two years on the Forty Acres. Because of that lack of play, he was knocked down to a three-star in the 247Sports Transfer Portal rankings.

However, BYU believes Akana’s best football is still ahead of him as a college player.

BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill noted that Akana “has really improved” BYU’s pass rush this season.

Siale Esera, LB

Redshirt-Sophomore

A former star recruit out of Timpview High School, Esera redshirted in 2024 due to a lisfranc injury that limited his availability.

BYU coaches wanted to preserve Esera’s year of eligibility. It was the right move. Esera began returning to full strength during bowl practices last December.

Esera had two tackles and one sack in the blowout Alamo Bowl win over Colorado.

That momentum carried over into spring practices, where he exited the 14 practice sessions as either “1 or 1A” with Harrison Taggart in the eyes of BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill.

Shortly after spring ball, Taggart entered the transfer portal and signed with Cal. That clears the runway for Esera to step in as the clear-cut starter at BYU’s middle linebacker spot.

Esera has excellent size at 6-3, 245 pounds. Pairing Esera with veterans Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly should create a special linebacker unit in 2025.

Cody Hagen, WR

Sophomore

The former Corner Canyon High star appeared in 10 games last season. Hagen has a big future ahead of him at BYU that is just scratching the surface.

Hagen was sidelined during the spring due to an injury. Still, Keelan Marion’s departure from the spring transfer portal to Miami creates an opportunity for competition in that inside receiver spot. 

Hagen is a receiver who could line up on the outside or inside in BYU’s offense. 

He’s got excellent speed and sure hands to earn a bigger role this season.

Jonathan Kabeya, CB

Sophomore

Jonathan Kabeya was a standout performer during spring practices, and Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill consistently praised his play.

Kabeya projects as a nickel/inside cornerback in BYU’s scheme this season.

He played in nine games last year, recording four tackles.

At 5-foot-10, Kabeya has a lot of similarities to former BYU/Weber State defensive back Eddie Heckard.

Kabeya is a guy who loves the game of football and pounced on the opportunity to commit to BYU when he was a high school recruit in the state of Texas in the 2024 recruiting cycle.

During spring practices, he was consistently with the first team defense as the nickel.

Sione Moa, RB

Sophomore

Sione Moa was one of the top performers in spring ball on BYU’s offense. The former walk-on, who is now a scholarship player, is entering his second year with the program and looks poised to take a big jump.

BYU’s starting running back this season is going to be LJ Martin. However, as we know, the Cougars have had to turn to the depth in their running back unit due to injuries.

It’s a luxury for BYU to have Moa, one of the best athletes on the team, as Martin’s backup.

Last year, he had a breakout performance against Kansas State, but then was sidelined with an injury. If healthy, there’s no reason to think BYU can’t have a potent one-two punch out of the backfield with Martin and Moa.

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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