BYU Keanu Tanuvasa On Transferring From Utah: “I’ve Never Been Hated That Much”
Jul 8, 2025, 1:07 PM | Updated: Jul 9, 2025, 10:47 am
FRISCO, Texas – Defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa has had a hectic summer after transferring from Utah to BYU for his junior season.
Tanuvasa joined the KSL Sports Zone at the Big 12 Media Days to discuss his transfer and his time in Provo so far.
The 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days is held at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters, on July 8 and 9.
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New @BYUfootball DL Keanu Tanuvasa on the show now @AlexKirryKSL | @975Hans | @PKKinahan | @kslsports https://t.co/xmPgIRaVZx pic.twitter.com/XwuQMmbDlP
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Tanuvasa didnt have his mind made up when he ultimately decided to enter the transfer portal following the 2024 season with the Utes.
But, after conversations with head coach Kalani Sitake and defensive lineman coach Sione Po’uha, it felt right. Looking back, he feels he made the right decision.
“It wasn’t until I was officially in the portal,” Tanuvasa explained. “I was in communication with Kalani (Sitake) and Sione (Po’uha), it felt like home communicating with those men. It felt like a place that would be able to bring me to a greater capacity than I’d previously been. I love the University of Utah, and they blessed me to become a greater player. Now, being able to chase new levels and increase my own attributes is something that BYU has blessed me to do.”
Understandably, when you transfer to a same-state rival, there are going to be opinions and harsh words thrown around.
Tanuvasa said that the noise hasn’t stopped since his decision, and he still gets pointed out by Utah fans. He explained that at first it was hard to not take it to heart but the whole process has allowed him to focus on what really matters.
“I knew that it was going to cause earthquakes,” Tanuvasa said. “(It hasn’t) been quiet for six months. I go to Salt Lake, and I still get people booing me. I get it, people are emotional, and they love the game. Initially, I heard all the noise. I’ve never been hated that much. I’m grateful for that because it has allowed me to understand (that I should) prioritize what matters the most. I’ve learned these ways of developing because I was thrown into the fire. I’m extremely blessed to be where I am.”
Now, all eyes are on Tanuvasa as he brings his talents down south.
In all likelihood, he will be a day one difference maker for the Cougars. But he explained that he takes expectations as a compliment. All he can do is give it his all on the field, which he plans to do.
“Pressure is a privilege,” Tanuvasa said. “Pressure is an opportunity to the best ability that I have. I do take that into consideration. I want to be the best version of myself.”
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Last season, BYU finished with an 11-2 record and a 7-2 conference record. Utah was the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 during its first year, but ended up finishing 5-7 overall and 2-7 in league games.
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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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Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.
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