Zach Wilson Named BYU Starting Quarterback For Opener Against Navy

PROVO, Utah – There’s no more quarterback debate at BYU, if there really was much of one, to begin with. Junior Zach Wilson is once again the Cougars starting signal-caller.

The decision to pick Wilson as the starting quarterback was announced on Monday with the release of the depth chart.

“I would say the best thing about that is that he earned the job, based on what he did this fall,” said BYU offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes on Coordinators’ Corner. “What he did in fall camp earned him the job, and we really didn’t have to say, we’re looking at the entirety of his career or the larger sample size that’s there for him because he earned it based off what he did in fall camp.”

Jeff Grimes on Zach Wilson winning the QB1 title: "I would say the best thing about that is that he earned the job, based on what he did this fall."#BYUFootball @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 31, 2020

A former standout at Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Wilson has posted an 8-8 record in two years as BYU’s starting quarterback. Wilson beat out sophomores Baylor Romney and Jaren Hall for the starting nod in Jeff Grimes and Aaron Roderick’s offense.

“He’s improved in every area. Really he’s pretty impressive what he’s done with his offseason,” said BYU Passing Game Coordinator Aaron Roderick on August 12th. “You know, it’s the first real offseason he’s had in three years and total transformation of his body. He looks really good. He’s big and strong and he’s just such a hard worker. He’s worked hard at every part of the game. And so he’s thrown the ball really well. He looks really fit and strong and he’s making great decisions. You can really tell he’s taking to heart some of the mistakes he’s made in the past as well as we’re trying to build on the things we already do well in this program.”

More from Grimes on Wilson winning starting QB job: "What he did in fall camp earned him the job and we really didn't have to say, we're looking at the entirety of his career, or the larger sample size that's there for him because he earned it based off what he did in fall camp."

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) August 31, 2020

In his first two years at quarterback, Wilson has thrown for 3,960 passing yards with a 23-12 touchdown to interception ratio. National talking heads have dubbed Wilson as the “Mormon Manziel” for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his feet. Wilson has rushed for 388 yards in his first two years.

BYU ended up 26th nationally in passing yards in 2019 with Wilson leading the way with 2,382 yards despite a shoulder and thumb injury that caused him to miss four games.

Wilson will be going up against a Navy defense that was one of college football’s best last season. The Midshipmen were the 16th in total defense a year ago and they bring back seven starters from that group. Highlighted by linebacker Diego Fagot.

This will be Wilson’s second career opening day start at quarterback. Last season, Wilson and BYU came up short against rival Utah 30-12.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.