The college football transfer portal closes in nine days, currently leaving the BYU Cougars with several holes to fill on their roster.
Several key contributors will not return to BYU next season as the program navigates a busy offseason of roster turnover. Backup quarterback McCae Hillstead, defensive back Tyvion Beasly and eight other players have announced their intent to enter the transfer portal.
Meanwhile, offensive tackle Isaiah Jatta has declared for the NFL Draft. The Cougars will also say goodbye to 17 seniors who have exhausted their eligibility, including kicker Will Ferrin, wide receiver Chase Roberts, linebacker Jack Kelly and tight end Carsen Ryan.
But there is still plenty of good news. Several key players have announced their return to the program, including quarterback Bear Bachmeier, wide receiver Parker Kingston, linebacker Isaiah Glasker and safeties Raider Damuni and Faletau Satuala.
BYU has also had a record year signing high school recruits, highlighted by several four-star prospects such as quarterback Ryder Lyons, tight end Brock Harris and wide receiver Kennan Pula.
While no players from the transfer portal have officially committed to BYU yet, there are several names to keep an eye on, including tight end Walker Lyons, the cousin of BYU commit Ryder Lyons.
Other potential targets include cornerback Sione Laulea from Oregon, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a lifelong BYU fan; linebacker Liona Lefau from Texas, who was previously targeted by BYU before committing to the Longhorns; and cornerback Smith Snowden from Utah, the son of former BYU running back Will Snowden. According to BYU Cougars on Sports Illustrated, Snowden is also taking a visit to BYU this week.
The transfer portal closes on Jan. 16, though players can still sign with teams after the deadline has passed.